Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced that Tamim Iqbal will take charge for the Bangladesh side in the ODIs after Mashrafe Mortaza was relieved from his leadership duties after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced that Tamim Iqbal will take charge for the Bangladesh side in the ODIs after Mashrafe Mortaza was relieved from his leadership duties after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The first challenge that Tamim will face is against Pakistan for a single ODI match set to take place on April 1. Tamim Iqbal is no new to captaincy role as he led the Tigers against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series last July (During Mortaza's absence). He even led his team in a Test match against New Zealand in January 2017. Snaps of Bangladesh team's practice session today at SBNCS ahead of the 2-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting from tomorrow (March 9). pic.twitter.com/Vrh8DHps1j — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 8, 2020 × Bangladesh Cricket Board's president Nazmul Hasan told reporters that he looks forward to Tamim continuing this role for a long time, unlike the past where the board chose captain according to the series. "The board has unanimously selected Tamim Iqbal as our new ODI captain," Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan announced at a press conference after a meeting of the governing body's board of directors. "We thought of appointing a captain for a short duration and then giving the job to someone else next year. But we finally decided against a short-term appointment. We hope Tamim would serve for the long term," he added. Following this decision, Shakib Al Hasan and Mortaza have been dropped from BCB's centrally contracted players' list. BCB's list of centrally contracted players: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Naim Sheikh, Tamim Iqbal Khan, Liton Kumer Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque Shawrab, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Mahmudullah, Shaifuddin, Mistafizur Rahman.

Tamim Iqbal to lead Bangladesh in ODIs, Mortaza and Shakib dropped from centrally contracted players' list

No foreign dignitaries will be present at the 100th birth anniversary celebration of the father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman due to coronavirus fear, Bangladesh&nbsp;Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told Wion.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the invitees for the March 17th event. &nbsp;

Momen told, "No foreign dignitaries would attend the March 17th event as we will not organize big gatherings given COVID-19."

"Hon. PM Hasina and her sister do not want any harm to happen to members of the public.&nbsp;WHO has alss recommended not to organise any big assembly. Hon PM would like to provide housing to all homeless in Bangladesh as a gift in memory of Mujib Borsho," he added.

He also clarified that March 17th event has not been postponed, and added, the country will organise the programme in a such a way to avoid big public assembly"

Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

This is the second planned foreign visit of PM Modi that to be called off. &nbsp;PM was expected to visit Brussels on March 13, but that visit too has been&nbsp;postponed due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

No foreign dignitaries will be present at the 100th birth anniversary celebration of the father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman due to coronavirus fear, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told Wion.

No foreign dignitaries will be present at the 100th birth anniversary celebration of the father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman due to coronavirus fear, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told Wion. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the invitees for the March 17th event. Momen told, "No foreign dignitaries would attend the March 17th event as we will not organize big gatherings given COVID-19." "Hon. PM Hasina and her sister do not want any harm to happen to members of the public. WHO has alss recommended not to organise any big assembly. Hon PM would like to provide housing to all homeless in Bangladesh as a gift in memory of Mujib Borsho," he added. He also clarified that March 17th event has not been postponed, and added, the country will organise the programme in a such a way to avoid big public assembly" Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Bangladesh. This is the second planned foreign visit of PM Modi that to be called off. PM was expected to visit Brussels on March 13, but that visit too has been postponed due to the pandemic.

Bangladesh: No foreign dignitaries will be present for March 17th event due to coronavirus fear  

Bangladesh on Sunday confirmed its first three cases of coronavirus in the country, said the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-nrc-will-not-impact-bangladesh-says-indias-foreign-secretary-harsh-vardhan-shringla-283845">Assam's NRC will not impact Bangladesh, says India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla</a>

The affected people are aged between 20 and 35 and two of them returned from Italy recently, IEDCR Director Meerjady Sabrina told reporters.

Bangladesh on Sunday confirmed its first three cases of coronavirus in the country, said the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). Also read: Assam's NRC will not impact Bangladesh, says India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla The affected people are aged between 20 and 35 and two of them returned from Italy recently, IEDCR Director Meerjady Sabrina told reporters.

Bangladesh confirms its first three cases of coronavirus

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli's name was among the six Indian players set to play for the Asia XI against World XI.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/donald-trump-lauds-virat-kohli-and-sachin-tendulkar-as-great-cricketers-282387">Donald Trump lauds Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar as 'great cricketers</a>

The two-match T20I series is set to take place in Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. The first match will take place on March 18 and the second match will take place on March 21.&nbsp;The series is called Mujibur Rahman Centenary series.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-first-indian-to-cross-50-million-mark-on-instagram-281292">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-first-indian-to-cross-50-million-mark-on-instagram-281292">Virat Kohli: First Indian to cross 50 million mark on Instagram</a>

Other Indian cricketers in the squad are Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav.

Virat Kohli is yet to decide if he will be a part of these matches or not as hectic schedule lined up for the skipper. India will be facing the Proteas for a three-match ODI series after the end of New Zealand tour and an IPL season after the South African series.&nbsp;

KL Rahul has confirmed that he will play at least one of the two matches.&nbsp;

Kohli will be missing out the first match of the series on March 18 as he will be playing the final ODI match of the series against South Africa on the same day in Kolkata.&nbsp;

Asia XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Tamim Iqbal, Virat Kohli, Liton Das, Rishabh Pant, Mushfiqur Rahim, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli's name was among the six Indian players set to play for the Asia XI against World XI. Also see: Donald Trump lauds Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar as 'great cricketers The two-match T20I series is set to take place in Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli's name was among the six Indian players set to play for the Asia XI against World XI. Also see: Donald Trump lauds Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar as 'great cricketers The two-match T20I series is set to take place in Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. The first match will take place on March 18 and the second match will take place on March 21. The series is called Mujibur Rahman Centenary series. Also read: Virat Kohli: First Indian to cross 50 million mark on Instagram Other Indian cricketers in the squad are Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. Virat Kohli is yet to decide if he will be a part of these matches or not as hectic schedule lined up for the skipper. India will be facing the Proteas for a three-match ODI series after the end of New Zealand tour and an IPL season after the South African series. KL Rahul has confirmed that he will play at least one of the two matches. Kohli will be missing out the first match of the series on March 18 as he will be playing the final ODI match of the series against South Africa on the same day in Kolkata. Asia XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Tamim Iqbal, Virat Kohli, Liton Das, Rishabh Pant, Mushfiqur Rahim, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Virat Kohli named in Asia XI, yet to decide if he will play or not

WION- World Is One News Exclusively speaks to Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Mr. Muhammad Imran over Bangladesh-India recent relations and ties. He said that ' He will take Indo-Bangla relation to greater ties', listen to him.

Bangladesh HC Muhammad Imran speaks Exclusively to WION

Music composer AR Rahman has responded to the recent controversy involving his daughter Khatija and Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/celebrity%20-news-ar-rahmans-daughter-khatija-and-taslima-nasreen-get-into-a-social-media-spat-over-burqa-281102">made headlines a few days back. </a>In a tweet, which has now been deleted, Nasreen had said, "I love AR Rahman’s music. But whenever I see his dear daughter, I feel suffocated. It is depressing to learn that even educated women in a cultural family can get brainwashed very easily!" 
 
Khatija had slammed the author in multiple posts on Instagram where she had asked Nasreen to get 'fresh air' if she felt suffocated.&nbsp; 
Now speaking to The Quint, Rahman has said that he did not react to Nasreen's comment at all and appreciated daughter Khatija for speaking her mind. "I think what’s good is if we bring them up in a way that they (children) know our troubles, they know our problems. They know that they have to inherit the good and the bad from us. That’s it. And then, they are given free will and she did it and then I asked her, ‘What about the next question? Did you answer that?’ (She said) that’s it, daddy, I am done." 
 
Rahman also revealed that Khatija did not consult him before she put out her posts on Instagram. "No, I think she put it out and then I put it out on Instagram. I thought it was needed because she is behind the veil and it’s her choice." 
 
The Oscar-winning musician added, "More than the religious thing I think, I personally think it is a psychological thing. Because she sang a song and around 10 million people were having it as their ringtone. If you take a little kid who is an introvert and suddenly people are spamming them with good and bad, anybody would shut off." 
 
"A male is not supposed to wear a burqa, otherwise I will wear one. It would be so easy to go and shop, find a steady life. You know, I think, she finds her freedom. Because she is somebody who will go for a funeral of a maid's mother or maid's relative. And I get awestruck with her simplicity and what she does socially," the musician further added.&nbsp; 
 
Not just Khatija, Rahman's second daughter Raheema too posted images of her and her sister defending her choice. &nbsp;Raheema shared photos of the two sisters with their famous dad on Instagram pointing out that her family let everyone choose their own attire.

Music composer AR Rahman has responded to the recent controversy involving his daughter Khatija and Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen that made headlines a few days back.

Music composer AR Rahman has responded to the recent controversy involving his daughter Khatija and Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen that made headlines a few days back. In a tweet, which has now been deleted, Nasreen had said, "I love AR Rahman’s music. But whenever I see his dear daughter, I feel suffocated. It is depressing to learn that even educated women in a cultural family can get brainwashed very easily!" Khatija had slammed the author in multiple posts on Instagram where she had asked Nasreen to get 'fresh air' if she felt suffocated. Now speaking to The Quint, Rahman has said that he did not react to Nasreen's comment at all and appreciated daughter Khatija for speaking her mind. "I think what’s good is if we bring them up in a way that they (children) know our troubles, they know our problems. They know that they have to inherit the good and the bad from us. That’s it. And then, they are given free will and she did it and then I asked her, ‘What about the next question? Did you answer that?’ (She said) that’s it, daddy, I am done." Rahman also revealed that Khatija did not consult him before she put out her posts on Instagram. "No, I think she put it out and then I put it out on Instagram. I thought it was needed because she is behind the veil and it’s her choice." The Oscar-winning musician added, "More than the religious thing I think, I personally think it is a psychological thing. Because she sang a song and around 10 million people were having it as their ringtone. If you take a little kid who is an introvert and suddenly people are spamming them with good and bad, anybody would shut off." "A male is not supposed to wear a burqa, otherwise I will wear one. It would be so easy to go and shop, find a steady life. You know, I think, she finds her freedom. Because she is somebody who will go for a funeral of a maid's mother or maid's relative. And I get awestruck with her simplicity and what she does socially," the musician further added. Not just Khatija, Rahman's second daughter Raheema too posted images of her and her sister defending her choice. Raheema shared photos of the two sisters with their famous dad on Instagram pointing out that her family let everyone choose their own attire.

AR Rahman responds to his daughter Khatija's spat with author Taslima Nasreen

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030.

The delta nation has sought to reduce the impact of the disease which causes acute diarrhoea and spreads through contaminated food and water through vaccines and by setting up a dedicated treatment hospital.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-100-drug-godfathers-surrender-to-bangladesh-police-197777">Over 100 drug 'godfathers' surrender to Bangladesh police</a>

"We have brought down the mortality rate in cholera to almost zero in Bangladesh," said senior scientist Firdausi Qadri at the Dhaka-based International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research.

But she admitted that the number of infections was still very high.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-be-kidnapped-by-china-taiwan-tells-who-in-bid-for-separate-virus-tally-281370">World Health Organisation</a>, cholera infects about 1.3 to five million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000 to 143,000.

Bangladesh has an estimated 100,000 cases a year, according to authorities, but plans to immunise half its 168 million people in the next decade.

Daisy Akter, who lost two sisters and a brother to cholera in the 1970s, was one of the first recipients of the oral vaccine at a Dhaka neighbourhood on Wednesday.

"No villager came to offer funeral prayers for them fearing they might get the disease," she said.

"We had to bury them in the front yard of our home."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-fourth-nation-to-pay-un-dues-on-time-world-body-thanks-new-delhi-273780">UN</a> agencies and Bangladesh authorities have already carried out a massive cholera vaccination drive in the country's southeast, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees have lived in overcrowded camps since 2017.

Some 800,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fourth-rohingya-refugee-shot-dead-over-bangladesh-murder-247016">Rohingya</a>&nbsp;and 600,000 locals were vaccinated in that campaign.

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030.

Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a drive to vaccinate more than a million people against cholera, which infects tens of thousands a year, as part of an international campaign to eliminate transmission by 2030. The delta nation has sought to reduce the impact of the disease which causes acute diarrhoea and spreads through contaminated food and water through vaccines and by setting up a dedicated treatment hospital. Also read: Over 100 drug 'godfathers' surrender to Bangladesh police "We have brought down the mortality rate in cholera to almost zero in Bangladesh," said senior scientist Firdausi Qadri at the Dhaka-based International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research. But she admitted that the number of infections was still very high. According to the World Health Organisation, cholera infects about 1.3 to five million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000 to 143,000. Bangladesh has an estimated 100,000 cases a year, according to authorities, but plans to immunise half its 168 million people in the next decade. Daisy Akter, who lost two sisters and a brother to cholera in the 1970s, was one of the first recipients of the oral vaccine at a Dhaka neighbourhood on Wednesday. "No villager came to offer funeral prayers for them fearing they might get the disease," she said. "We had to bury them in the front yard of our home." UN agencies and Bangladesh authorities have already carried out a massive cholera vaccination drive in the country's southeast, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees have lived in overcrowded camps since 2017. Some 800,000 Rohingya and 600,000 locals were vaccinated in that campaign.

Bangladesh kicks off vaccination blitz to eliminate cholera

We know the history of Sundarbans tigers brutality. A women abandoned by her sons, shunned by her neighbours and branded a witch. Bengal tiger killed Mosammat Rashida’s husband and this was her crime. Women like her are ostracised in many rural villages in Bangladesh, where they are viewed as the cause of their partner’s misfortune

Sundarban: The curse of being a Tiger Widow

In Bangladesh 1st sex worker to receive a formal burial. Bangladesh is one of the few Muslim countries in the world where prostitution is legal for women aged 18.

South Asia Diary: Sex workers gets honourable funeral in Bangladesh

The father of a woman who married an Islamic State fighter as a teen told AFP Thursday he would seek citizenship for her if she came to Bangladesh, after she lost an initial bid to restore her British nationality.

Shamima Begum left the UK for Syria with two school friends in 2015, when she was just 15, prompting the British government to revoke her citizenship last year.

Begum, now 20, appealed the decision but lost the first round of her legal challenge on Friday when a tribunal ruled Downing Street "did not make her stateless" as she was a citizen of Bangladesh by descent.

Her father Ahmed Ali, who follows Begum's plight from a remote village in northeastern Bangladesh, said he would help her apply for citizenship if she wanted to move to the Muslim-majority nation of 168 million people.

"I feel sorry for her. Any parent will feel bad for her," Ali said.

But Ali was worried Begum might be prosecuted if she entered the South Asian nation, after Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh had "no relationship" with the young woman.

"Shamima Begum was born... British. She lived as a British (citizen). She never applied for Bangladesh citizenship. We have nothing to do with her," Momen told reporters earlier this week.

Momen told AFP Thursday he would not consider granting her citizenship.

Begum was one of three schoolgirls from east London who left home to join the jihadist group on February 17, 2015.&nbsp;

She claims she married a Dutch convert soon after arriving in IS-held territory. She was discovered, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year.

Her newborn baby died soon after she gave birth. Two of her other children also died under IS rule.

Begum's lawyer Daniel Furner said she would "immediately initiate an appeal" against Friday's decision.

Ali said he last visited London in December 2018, where he spoke to Begum's mother and other family members who live in England.

He believes his daughter was brainwashed into joining IS.&nbsp;

"It was certainly a mistake to go to IS. Perhaps it was because she was a child. She may not have gone there (Syria) willingly. She may have been ill-advised by other people," he said. 
&nbsp;

The father of a woman who married an Islamic State fighter as a teen told AFP Thursday he would seek citizenship for her if she came to Bangladesh, after she lost an initial bid to restore her British nationality.

The father of a woman who married an Islamic State fighter as a teen told AFP Thursday he would seek citizenship for her if she came to Bangladesh, after she lost an initial bid to restore her British nationality. Shamima Begum left the UK for Syria with two school friends in 2015, when she was just 15, prompting the British government to revoke her citizenship last year. Begum, now 20, appealed the decision but lost the first round of her legal challenge on Friday when a tribunal ruled Downing Street "did not make her stateless" as she was a citizen of Bangladesh by descent. Her father Ahmed Ali, who follows Begum's plight from a remote village in northeastern Bangladesh, said he would help her apply for citizenship if she wanted to move to the Muslim-majority nation of 168 million people. "I feel sorry for her. Any parent will feel bad for her," Ali said. But Ali was worried Begum might be prosecuted if she entered the South Asian nation, after Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh had "no relationship" with the young woman. "Shamima Begum was born... British. She lived as a British (citizen). She never applied for Bangladesh citizenship. We have nothing to do with her," Momen told reporters earlier this week. Momen told AFP Thursday he would not consider granting her citizenship. Begum was one of three schoolgirls from east London who left home to join the jihadist group on February 17, 2015. She claims she married a Dutch convert soon after arriving in IS-held territory. She was discovered, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year. Her newborn baby died soon after she gave birth. Two of her other children also died under IS rule. Begum's lawyer Daniel Furner said she would "immediately initiate an appeal" against Friday's decision. Ali said he last visited London in December 2018, where he spoke to Begum's mother and other family members who live in England. He believes his daughter was brainwashed into joining IS. "It was certainly a mistake to go to IS. Perhaps it was because she was a child. She may not have gone there (Syria) willingly. She may have been ill-advised by other people," he said.

Father of British IS bride may seek Bangladesh citizenship for her

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday.

Nur Mohammad, the owner of Guardian Publications, was arrested by police at his office in the capital on Monday, the company's deputy managing director, Mahmudul Hasan, told AFP.

"He has been charged under the country's Digital Security Act," he said.

Journalists and rights activists say the Digital Security Act passed in 2018 is a serious threat to freedom of expression in the nation of 168 million people.

Under the Act, anyone can face a life jail term for "propaganda" against the nation and up to 10 years for digital content that "hurts religious sentiments" or "creates unrest".

Odhikar, a rights group, reported at least 29 arrests last year under the law.

Nur Mohammad's arrest came after Guardian Publications was blocked from taking part in the country's largest annual book fair, which takes place this month.

Guardian Publications is a leading publisher of literature about Islamic philosophy, religion, Bangladeshi culture and history.

The company has published two books by Pinaki Bhattacharya, a leading critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bhattacharya, who fled the country for France last year after security forces allegedly raided his home, condemned Mohammad's arrest and called for his release.

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday.

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday. Nur Mohammad, the owner of Guardian Publications, was arrested by police at his office in the capital on Monday, the company's deputy managing director, Mahmudul Hasan, told AFP. "He has been charged under the country's Digital Security Act," he said. Journalists and rights activists say the Digital Security Act passed in 2018 is a serious threat to freedom of expression in the nation of 168 million people. Under the Act, anyone can face a life jail term for "propaganda" against the nation and up to 10 years for digital content that "hurts religious sentiments" or "creates unrest". Odhikar, a rights group, reported at least 29 arrests last year under the law. Nur Mohammad's arrest came after Guardian Publications was blocked from taking part in the country's largest annual book fair, which takes place this month. Guardian Publications is a leading publisher of literature about Islamic philosophy, religion, Bangladeshi culture and history. The company has published two books by Pinaki Bhattacharya, a leading critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bhattacharya, who fled the country for France last year after security forces allegedly raided his home, condemned Mohammad's arrest and called for his release.

Leading Bangladesh publisher charged under internet law

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;15&nbsp;women and children drowned and more than 50 others were missing&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;boat&nbsp;overloaded with Rohingya&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;sank&nbsp;off&nbsp;southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Bangladesh&nbsp;</a>as it tried to reach Malaysia Tuesday, officials said.

Some 138 people mainly women and children were packed on a trawler barely 13 metres&nbsp;long, trying to cross the Bay of Bengal, a coast guard spokesman told AFP.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Rohingyas drown as refugee boat capsizes off Bangladesh</a>

"It sank because of overloading. The&nbsp;boat&nbsp;was meant to carry maximum 50 people. The&nbsp;boat&nbsp;was also loaded with some cargo," another coast guard spokesman, Hamidul Islam,&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

Nearly one million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Rohingya </a>live in squalid camps near&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Bangladesh</a>'s border with Myanmar, many fleeing the neighbouring country&nbsp;after&nbsp;a 2017 brutal military crackdown.

With few opportunities for jobs and education in the camps, thousands have tried to reach other countries like Malaysia and Thailand by attempting the hazardous 2,000-kilometre journey.

In the latest incident, 71 people have been rescued including 46 women. Among the dead, 11 were women and the rest children.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-rescue-dozens-of-rohingya-being-trafficked-to-malaysia-218629">Bangladesh police 'rescue' dozens of Rohingya being trafficked to Malaysia</a>

Anwara Begum said two of her sons, aged six and seven, drowned in the tragedy.

"We were four of us in the&nbsp;boat...another child (son, aged 10) is very sick," the 40-year-old told said.

Fishermen tipped&nbsp;off&nbsp;the coast guard&nbsp;after&nbsp;they saw survivors swimming and crying for help in the sea.

The&nbsp;boat's keel hit undersea coral in shallow water&nbsp;off&nbsp;Saint Martin's Island,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-rescue-dozens-of-rohingya-being-trafficked-to-malaysia-218629">Bangladesh</a>'s southernmost territory, before it sank, survivors said.

"We swam in the sea before boats came and rescued us," said survivor Mohammad Hossain, 20.

Coast guard commander Sohel Rana said three survivors, including a Bangladeshi, were detained over human trafficking allegations.

An estimated 25,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Rohingya </a>left&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rohingya-drown-as-refugee-boat-capsizes-off-bangladesh-23209">Myanmar </a>on boats in 2015 trying to get to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Hundreds drowned when overloaded boats sank.

At least 15 women and children drowned and more than 50 others were missing after a boat overloaded with Rohingya refugees sank off southern Bangladesh as it tried to reach Malaysia Tuesday, officials said.

At least 15 women and children drowned and more than 50 others were missing after a boat overloaded with Rohingya refugees sank off southern Bangladesh as it tried to reach Malaysia Tuesday, officials said. Some 138 people mainly women and children were packed on a trawler barely 13 metres long, trying to cross the Bay of Bengal, a coast guard spokesman told AFP. Also read: Rohingyas drown as refugee boat capsizes off Bangladesh "It sank because of overloading. The boat was meant to carry maximum 50 people. The boat was also loaded with some cargo," another coast guard spokesman, Hamidul Islam, added. Nearly one million Rohingya live in squalid camps near Bangladesh's border with Myanmar, many fleeing the neighbouring country after a 2017 brutal military crackdown. With few opportunities for jobs and education in the camps, thousands have tried to reach other countries like Malaysia and Thailand by attempting the hazardous 2,000-kilometre journey. In the latest incident, 71 people have been rescued including 46 women. Among the dead, 11 were women and the rest children. Also read: Bangladesh police 'rescue' dozens of Rohingya being trafficked to Malaysia Anwara Begum said two of her sons, aged six and seven, drowned in the tragedy. "We were four of us in the boat...another child (son, aged 10) is very sick," the 40-year-old told said. Fishermen tipped off the coast guard after they saw survivors swimming and crying for help in the sea. The boat's keel hit undersea coral in shallow water off Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh's southernmost territory, before it sank, survivors said. "We swam in the sea before boats came and rescued us," said survivor Mohammad Hossain, 20. Coast guard commander Sohel Rana said three survivors, including a Bangladeshi, were detained over human trafficking allegations. An estimated 25,000 Rohingya left Bangladesh and Myanmar on boats in 2015 trying to get to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Hundreds drowned when overloaded boats sank.

At least 15 refugees drown after boat sinks off Bangladesh

Bangladesh produced a stunning fightback against India in Potchefstroom to win the Under-19 World Cup for the first time.&nbsp;

Set 178 to win, Bangladesh slumped to 106 for six before captain Akbar Ali got them back on track.

A brief rainbreak meant a revised target of 170 from 46 overs, with Rakibul Hasan scoring the winning run to secure a three-wicket victory.

India 177 all out in 50 overs (Y. Jaiswal 88, T. Varma 38, D. Jurel 22; A. Das 3-40, T. Sakib 2-28, S. Islam 2-31)

Bangladesh 170-7 in 42.1 overs (P. Emon 47, A. Ali 43 not out; R. Bishnoi 4-30, S. Mishra 2-25)

Bangladesh produced a stunning fightback against India in Potchefstroom to win the Under-19 World Cup for the first time. Set 178 to win, Bangladesh slumped to 106 for six before captain Akbar Ali got them back on track.

Bangladesh produced a stunning fightback against India in Potchefstroom to win the Under-19 World Cup for the first time. Set 178 to win, Bangladesh slumped to 106 for six before captain Akbar Ali got them back on track. A brief rainbreak meant a revised target of 170 from 46 overs, with Rakibul Hasan scoring the winning run to secure a three-wicket victory. India 177 all out in 50 overs (Y. Jaiswal 88, T. Varma 38, D. Jurel 22; A. Das 3-40, T. Sakib 2-28, S. Islam 2-31) Bangladesh 170-7 in 42.1 overs (P. Emon 47, A. Ali 43 not out; R. Bishnoi 4-30, S. Mishra 2-25)

Bangladesh beat India to win Under-19 cricket World Cup final

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah became the youngest player to claim a test hat-trick when he dismissed three Bangladesh batsmen with successive deliveries in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Naseem, who turns 17 next week, removed Najmul Hossain, Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah before Bangladesh finished day three of the opening test on a precarious 126-6 and staring at an innings defeat.

Naseem (4-26) dismissed opener Saif Hassan earlier in the day but the right-arm quick reserved his best for the last hour at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Having conceded a first-innings lead of 212, Bangladesh were showing signs of fight as they reached 124-2.

Bassem hit Najmul on the thigh pad with a moving delivery, and although the lbw appeal was turned down, Pakistan captain Azhar Ali opted to review the umpire's decision and replays confirmed the ball would have hit the stumps.

Nightwatchman Taijul also fell lbw and Mahmudullah edged the next ball to Haris Sohail who took a smart low catch at slip as Naseem became the fourth Pakistani to claim a test hat-trick after Wasim Akram (twice), Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Sami.

Bangladesh captain Mominul Haq (37) and Litos Das, who was yet to score, will resume on Monday hoping to muster at least the 86 runs needed to make Pakistan bat again.

Pakistan were all out for 445 in their first innings.

Babar Azam could not add to his overnight score of 143 and fell to the first ball of the day

Asad Shafiq ws out for 65 and Haris made a fluent 75 while Abu Jayed and Rubel Hossain claimed three wickets apiece for Bangladesh.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah became the youngest player to claim a test hat-trick when he dismissed three Bangladesh batsmen with successive deliveries in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah became the youngest player to claim a test hat-trick when he dismissed three Bangladesh batsmen with successive deliveries in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Naseem, who turns 17 next week, removed Najmul Hossain, Taijul Islam and Mahmudullah before Bangladesh finished day three of the opening test on a precarious 126-6 and staring at an innings defeat. Naseem (4-26) dismissed opener Saif Hassan earlier in the day but the right-arm quick reserved his best for the last hour at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Having conceded a first-innings lead of 212, Bangladesh were showing signs of fight as they reached 124-2. Bassem hit Najmul on the thigh pad with a moving delivery, and although the lbw appeal was turned down, Pakistan captain Azhar Ali opted to review the umpire's decision and replays confirmed the ball would have hit the stumps. Nightwatchman Taijul also fell lbw and Mahmudullah edged the next ball to Haris Sohail who took a smart low catch at slip as Naseem became the fourth Pakistani to claim a test hat-trick after Wasim Akram (twice), Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Sami. Bangladesh captain Mominul Haq (37) and Litos Das, who was yet to score, will resume on Monday hoping to muster at least the 86 runs needed to make Pakistan bat again. Pakistan were all out for 445 in their first innings. Babar Azam could not add to his overnight score of 143 and fell to the first ball of the day Asad Shafiq ws out for 65 and Haris made a fluent 75 while Abu Jayed and Rubel Hossain claimed three wickets apiece for Bangladesh.

Naseem youngest to take test hat-trick as Pakistan close on victory

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China </a>have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/indias-cotton-exports-could-hit-four-year-high-on-price-rally-weak-rupee-139689?amp">Cotton Corporation of India</a> (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels.

"As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-january-manufacturing-activity-hits-nearly-8-year-high-278375">India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high&nbsp;</a>

Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays, which began on January&nbsp;24 this year.

But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations.

The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study</a>

Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment.

Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters.

"Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">China</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-china-to-account-for-nearly-35-of-global-gdp-in-2060-study-278393">Bangladesh</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-trump-visits-vietnam-melania-walks-alone-at-great-wall-543">Vietnam </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indonesias-mt-sinabung-erupts-696">Indonesia </a>are among key buyers of India cotton.

Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said.

India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October&nbsp;1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India.

"We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra.

Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

"Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said.

Shipments of around 250,000 bales of Indian cotton to China have been delayed by nearly two weeks as a virus outbreak and factory closures dampen demand from the world's biggest consumer of the fibre, industry officials told said. The delay in shipments could pressure local prices and force the state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to increase purchases from farmers to ensure domestic prices stay above government-mandated levels. "As the holiday is extended in China, shipments are getting delayed," said Chirag Patel, chief executive at Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt Ltd, an exporter. Also read: India's January manufacturing activity hits nearly 8-year high Most Chinese firms scale back operations or close for long periods around the Lunar New Year holidays, which began on January 24 this year. But China's government has extended the holidays, announced widespread transport restrictions and told many businesses to stay closed longer to limit the spread of the virus. It is not clear when millions of migrant workers will be able to return to factories or when ports will resume normal operations. The epidemic has killed nearly 500 people in China and infected more than 24,000 so far. Also read: India, China to account for nearly 35% of global GDP in 2060: Study Indian sellers had contracted around 650,000 bales to China for prompt shipment. Around 400,000 bales have already been shipped, but the remaining 250,000 bales have been delayed, three exporters and two dealers with global trading houses told Reuters. "Exporters are a bit worried. So far buyers haven't cancelled contracts, but some might be if this virus outbreak remains there for few more weeks," said Vinay Kotak, a director at Kotak Commodities, a Mumbai-based brokerage. China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia are among key buyers of India cotton. Exporters have an option of diverting cotton meant for China to other destinations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam if shipments are delayed further, Kotak said. India has shipped 2 million cotton bales since the 2019-20 marketing year started on October 1 and another 1 million bales have been contracted for shipment in February and March, said Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India. "We are hopeful that very soon Chinese buying will return to normal," said Ganatra. Local cotton prices are already under pressure due to surplus production, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. "Chinese buying was supporting local prices. In the absence of China, Cotton Corporation of India will have to raise purchases," the dealer said.

Virus outbreak delays India's cotton exports to China

The ninth&nbsp;edition of India and Bangladesh military training called 'Sampriti IX' began&nbsp;in Umroi, Meghalaya.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/union-budget-2020-defence-sector-needs-more-money-for-modernisation-278261">Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector</a>

The training commenced on Monday and its main focus is counter-terrorism on difficult terrains like mountains and jungles.

Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX) will be conducted in the 14-days training schedule. For both the CPX and FTX, a scenario where both the nations are working together in a counter-terrorism environment will be simulated under the United Nations charter.

The Bangladesh Army's contingent is under the command of Commander Md. Shafiul Azam. The contingent is Bangladesh's 42nd infantry regiment. Indian Army's Bihar regiment will take part in the training, the regiment is led by Brigadier Rajesh Sharma.&nbsp;

Each side comprises 128 jawans, 12 officers and 10 junior commission officers (JCOs).

The FTX training's curriculum is steadily planned where the participants will initially get familiar with each other's organisational structure and tactical drills.

Subsequently, joint tactical exercise will be conducted wherein the battle drills of both Indian and Bangladeshi armies will be practised.

 
The training will end with a final validation activity in which troops of both armies will jointly practice a counter-terrorist operation in a controlled and simulated environment.

In addition, to understand each other at a tactical level, greater cultural understanding will be emphasised to increase military trust and partnership between the two countries.

This exercise will conclude on February 16.

(With inputs from ANI)

The ninth edition of India and Bangladesh military training called 'Sampriti IX' began in Umroi, Meghalaya. Also read- Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector The training commenced on Monday and its main focus is counter-terrorism on difficult terrains like mountains and jungles.

The ninth edition of India and Bangladesh military training called 'Sampriti IX' began in Umroi, Meghalaya. Also read- Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector The training commenced on Monday and its main focus is counter-terrorism on difficult terrains like mountains and jungles. Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX) will be conducted in the 14-days training schedule. For both the CPX and FTX, a scenario where both the nations are working together in a counter-terrorism environment will be simulated under the United Nations charter. The Bangladesh Army's contingent is under the command of Commander Md. Shafiul Azam. The contingent is Bangladesh's 42nd infantry regiment. Indian Army's Bihar regiment will take part in the training, the regiment is led by Brigadier Rajesh Sharma. Each side comprises 128 jawans, 12 officers and 10 junior commission officers (JCOs). The FTX training's curriculum is steadily planned where the participants will initially get familiar with each other's organisational structure and tactical drills. Subsequently, joint tactical exercise will be conducted wherein the battle drills of both Indian and Bangladeshi armies will be practised. The training will end with a final validation activity in which troops of both armies will jointly practice a counter-terrorist operation in a controlled and simulated environment. In addition, to understand each other at a tactical level, greater cultural understanding will be emphasised to increase military trust and partnership between the two countries. This exercise will conclude on February 16. (With inputs from ANI)

India-Bangladesh military training begins in Meghalaya

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen during a media briefing on Sunday said the government has requested Chinese nationals in Bangladesh not to go on leave especially over the next month while the global health emergency is in place, the BD News reported.

"At the same time, we have requested the authorities not to recruit any Chinese national for ongoing projects in Bangladesh," he was quoted as saying.

He, however, said that the move does not bar Chinese nationals from applying for a Bangladeshi visa.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Coronavirus - India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China</a>

"This is a temporary measure. Chinese nationals can still apply for a visa but they must submit a medical certificate along with the application," he said.

A number of countries have temporarily stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals after the coronavirus outbreak.

India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK.

Singapore has stopped issuing all types of visas to Chinese travellers, while Vietnam has halted tourist visas. Russia, a close Beijing ally, announced Saturday it would halt visa-free tourism for Chinese nationals and also stop issuing them work visas. It had already stopped issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Similar visa restrictions have been imposed by the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the African nation of Mozambique.&nbsp;

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries.

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen during a media briefing on Sunday said the government has requested Chinese nationals in Bangladesh not to go on leave especially over the next month while the global health emergency is in place, the BD News reported. "At the same time, we have requested the authorities not to recruit any Chinese national for ongoing projects in Bangladesh," he was quoted as saying. He, however, said that the move does not bar Chinese nationals from applying for a Bangladeshi visa. Also read: Coronavirus - India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China "This is a temporary measure. Chinese nationals can still apply for a visa but they must submit a medical certificate along with the application," he said. A number of countries have temporarily stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals after the coronavirus outbreak. India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK. Singapore has stopped issuing all types of visas to Chinese travellers, while Vietnam has halted tourist visas. Russia, a close Beijing ally, announced Saturday it would halt visa-free tourism for Chinese nationals and also stop issuing them work visas. It had already stopped issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Similar visa restrictions have been imposed by the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the African nation of Mozambique.

Bangladesh halts visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protests-erupt-in-dhaka-after-polls-date-clashes-with-saraswati-puja-274447">ahead of elections</a> in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms.

These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds.

The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-on-monday-ordered-operators-to-shut-down-mobile-phone-services-to-almost-one-million-rohingya-refugees-living-in-camps-in-the-countrys-southeast-an-official-said-247315">worst in the world</a>.

"The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group.

Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO).

Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable.

"We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-factories-ordered-shut-to-save-key-river-275835">In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down</a>

Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday.

But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people.

Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls.

"We will separately manage it," he added. 
&nbsp;

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil.

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds. The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the worst in the world. "The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group. Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. "We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said. Also Read: In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday. But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people. Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls. "We will separately manage it," he added.

Bangladesh capital awash with plastic-coated posters

Rohingya children living in Bangladesh refugee camps will be allowed to receive a formal education after a change of heart by Dhaka in a move welcomed by right activists.

Nearly one million Rohingya, including more than half a million children, live in the squalid and crowded camps near the southeastern border with Myanmar, where many had fled from in 2017 after a brutal military crackdown.

The children were previously barred from studying the curriculums used in Bangladesh and Myanmar, and instead received primary education in temporary learning centres set up by the UN children's agency UNICEF.

"We don't want a lost generation of Rohingya. We want them to have education. They will follow Myanmar curricula," Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen told AFP on Tuesday.

The decision came after a meeting of a national taskforce set up by the government.

Local media reported that a pilot programme involving more than 10,000 students would be launched soon, with UNICEF and Dhaka jointly designing the curriculum.

The refugee children will be schooled in Myanmar history and culture up to age 14, and will also receive skills training so they can take up jobs back in Myanmar when they return home, the foreign ministry said.

"I can't express my joy with words ... generations of Rohingya hardly had any education in their homeland in Myanmar as they were discriminated there and were robbed of their citizenship," Rohingya youth leader and human rights activist Rafique bin Habib said.

"The decision will minimise the chances for a Rohingya kid to get radicalised (in the camps)," he added.

UN representative in Bangladesh Mia Seppo told AFP the move would "make it easier for them to go back home to Myanmar when the time is right for returns".

Some Rohingya children have used fake Bangladeshi identity cards and hidden their ethnic identities to enrol in local schools.

Authorities last year expelled scores of them from schools in a drive condemned by rights groups.

Tens of thousands of other Rohingya Muslim children were also educated in madrassas set up by Islamic groups in the camps.

The decision came almost a week after UN's highest court ordered Myanmar to do everything in its power to prevent the genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

Rohingya children living in Bangladesh refugee camps will be allowed to receive a formal education after a change of heart by Dhaka in a move welcomed by right activists.

Rohingya children living in Bangladesh refugee camps will be allowed to receive a formal education after a change of heart by Dhaka in a move welcomed by right activists. Nearly one million Rohingya, including more than half a million children, live in the squalid and crowded camps near the southeastern border with Myanmar, where many had fled from in 2017 after a brutal military crackdown. The children were previously barred from studying the curriculums used in Bangladesh and Myanmar, and instead received primary education in temporary learning centres set up by the UN children's agency UNICEF. "We don't want a lost generation of Rohingya. We want them to have education. They will follow Myanmar curricula," Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen told AFP on Tuesday. The decision came after a meeting of a national taskforce set up by the government. Local media reported that a pilot programme involving more than 10,000 students would be launched soon, with UNICEF and Dhaka jointly designing the curriculum. The refugee children will be schooled in Myanmar history and culture up to age 14, and will also receive skills training so they can take up jobs back in Myanmar when they return home, the foreign ministry said. "I can't express my joy with words ... generations of Rohingya hardly had any education in their homeland in Myanmar as they were discriminated there and were robbed of their citizenship," Rohingya youth leader and human rights activist Rafique bin Habib said. "The decision will minimise the chances for a Rohingya kid to get radicalised (in the camps)," he added. UN representative in Bangladesh Mia Seppo told AFP the move would "make it easier for them to go back home to Myanmar when the time is right for returns". Some Rohingya children have used fake Bangladeshi identity cards and hidden their ethnic identities to enrol in local schools. Authorities last year expelled scores of them from schools in a drive condemned by rights groups. Tens of thousands of other Rohingya Muslim children were also educated in madrassas set up by Islamic groups in the camps. The decision came almost a week after UN's highest court ordered Myanmar to do everything in its power to prevent the genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

Bangladesh allows education for Rohingya refugee children

The Border Security Force (BSF) claimed that there is a substantial increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants after the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted.

A top official of the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier confirmed that after the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed, there had been an increase in the number of migrants’ crossing over to the Bangladesh border.

“There is a substantial increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants. As much as 90 per cent of the total of 268 persons were apprehended while venturing into Bangladesh. But this is not an exodus, the numbers have been small so far,” said YB Khurania, IG, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

On being quizzed on which part of the state with the porous border with Bangladesh accounted for the maximum number of outflow, Khurania said the Gojadanga area of North 24 Parganas district saw a maximum outflow of Bangladeshi migrants.

On the other hand, officials highlighted that these people were apprehended in the first month of the year alone.

Sources said, Bangladeshi nationals - who are living illegally in the country without any documents - &nbsp;fear that they may face action and are therefore compelled to flee to their country.

While the officials claimed that the numbers were substantially low, but sources in other frontiers of BSF like North Bengal Frontier and Guwahati also accounted for an increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants after the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Figures released by South Bengal Frontier of BSF showed that a total of 308 persons were apprehended in the month of January, this year. As many as 29 persons were Indians, 268 persons were Bangladeshis and 11 persons were from Myanmar and Nigeria.

A few weeks ago, while addressing media persons in Dhaka, Director General of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Shafeenul Islam, had said that the infiltration on their side of the border had increased in the last two months.&nbsp;

“In the last one year, as many as 972 persons entered Bangladesh. Of this, 445 entered in the last two months – November and December. All who have been apprehended by the BGB, have been identified as Bangladeshi nationals. They were living in India without any legal and valid documents. They are saying that they went to India in search of work. Some of them have stayed in Bangalore too,” Islam said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) claimed that there is a substantial increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants after the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted.

The Border Security Force (BSF) claimed that there is a substantial increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants after the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted. A top official of the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier confirmed that after the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed, there had been an increase in the number of migrants’ crossing over to the Bangladesh border. “There is a substantial increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants. As much as 90 per cent of the total of 268 persons were apprehended while venturing into Bangladesh. But this is not an exodus, the numbers have been small so far,” said YB Khurania, IG, South Bengal Frontier, BSF. On being quizzed on which part of the state with the porous border with Bangladesh accounted for the maximum number of outflow, Khurania said the Gojadanga area of North 24 Parganas district saw a maximum outflow of Bangladeshi migrants. On the other hand, officials highlighted that these people were apprehended in the first month of the year alone. Sources said, Bangladeshi nationals - who are living illegally in the country without any documents - fear that they may face action and are therefore compelled to flee to their country. While the officials claimed that the numbers were substantially low, but sources in other frontiers of BSF like North Bengal Frontier and Guwahati also accounted for an increase in the outflow of Bangladeshi migrants after the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Figures released by South Bengal Frontier of BSF showed that a total of 308 persons were apprehended in the month of January, this year. As many as 29 persons were Indians, 268 persons were Bangladeshis and 11 persons were from Myanmar and Nigeria. A few weeks ago, while addressing media persons in Dhaka, Director General of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Shafeenul Islam, had said that the infiltration on their side of the border had increased in the last two months. “In the last one year, as many as 972 persons entered Bangladesh. Of this, 445 entered in the last two months – November and December. All who have been apprehended by the BGB, have been identified as Bangladeshi nationals. They were living in India without any legal and valid documents. They are saying that they went to India in search of work. Some of them have stayed in Bangalore too,” Islam said.

CAA stir: Increase in outflow of Bangladeshi migrants, says BSF

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Myanmar</a> has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority.

The Hague-based court-ordered Myanmar to protect the persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-rohingya-crisis-what-to-watch-for-in-2019-187973">Rohingya</a> against further atrocities and preserve evidence of alleged crimes, after mostly Muslim Gambia launched a lawsuit in November accusing Myanmar of genocide.

"The government is already doing most of the orders," Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-court-frames-new-charges-against-saffron-revolution-leader-1522">National League for Democracy</a>, told Reuters by phone, without elaborating.

"One more thing we need to do is submit reports," he said, referring to one of several measures approved by the court requiring Myanmar to write regular summaries of its progress.

But he said the civilian government, who rule jointly with the military in an awkward constitutional arrangement that reserves great powers for the commander-in-chief, could not control troops.

"Under the current political circumstances, we have difficulties solving some issues - such as the (order) that the government must ensure its military or armed insurgents do not commit genocide or attempt to commit genocide against Rohingya or Bengali," he said.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled western Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that the U.N has said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar says the military campaign was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation launched in response to militant attacks on security forces.

Some 600,000 Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined in apartheid-like conditions to camps and villages, unable to freely access healthcare and education.

They are derided as "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-call-them-bengalis-call-them-bangladesh-says-pakistan-skipper-sarfaraz-ahmed-to-journo-234088">Bengalis</a>", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite tracing their history in Rakhine back centuries.

The court said in its judgment on Thursday it did not accept Myanmar’s assertion that it has been taking steps to facilitate the return of refugees, promote peace in Rakhine, and hold the military accountable through domestic mechanisms.

"In particular, the Court notes that Myanmar has not presented to the Court concrete measures aimed specifically at recognizing and ensuring the right of the Rohingya to exist as a protected group under the Genocide Convention," it said.

While Thursday's ruling was an emotional victory for the minority, who have for decades fought to prove their existence as an ethnic group, legal analysts said it will be difficult to force Myanmar to comply.

In a statement late Thursday, the ministry of foreign affairs said it had noted the ruling but did not mention specific steps it was taking. The next morning the front page of the state-run newspaper the Global New Light of Myanmar read: "Myanmar takes note of ICJ decision. There was no genocide in Rakhine".

While the measures are legally binding, there is no enforcement mechanism.

In separate statements on Friday, Britain and Malaysia urged Myanmar to fully implement the measures. UN&nbsp;human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell told a UN&nbsp;briefing in Geneva the office "calls on Myanmar to immediately and unconditionally implement them in full".

"We know that there are limitations but it’s very important for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh and in Myanmar to know that the world has heard them, the highest court in the land has made this decision," said human rights lawyer Antonia Mulvey.

Kobsak Chutikul, a Thai diplomat who in 2018 quit a government-appointed panel set up to probe the alleged atrocities, said he feared the government would "delay and obfuscate" once the spotlight faded.

Of dozens of people interviewed by Reuters in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, only two were aware of the judgment, and neither of them paid much heed.

"I already knew that Myanmar would lose this case since the other side is funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-times-islamic-countries-honoured-pm-modi-with-their-highest-awards-245560">Islamic countries</a>," said a civil servant, who also asked not to be named.

Myanmar has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority.

Myanmar has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority. The Hague-based court-ordered Myanmar to protect the persecuted Rohingya against further atrocities and preserve evidence of alleged crimes, after mostly Muslim Gambia launched a lawsuit in November accusing Myanmar of genocide. "The government is already doing most of the orders," Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy, told Reuters by phone, without elaborating. "One more thing we need to do is submit reports," he said, referring to one of several measures approved by the court requiring Myanmar to write regular summaries of its progress. But he said the civilian government, who rule jointly with the military in an awkward constitutional arrangement that reserves great powers for the commander-in-chief, could not control troops. "Under the current political circumstances, we have difficulties solving some issues - such as the (order) that the government must ensure its military or armed insurgents do not commit genocide or attempt to commit genocide against Rohingya or Bengali," he said. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled western Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that the U.N has said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar says the military campaign was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation launched in response to militant attacks on security forces. Some 600,000 Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined in apartheid-like conditions to camps and villages, unable to freely access healthcare and education. They are derided as "Bengalis", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite tracing their history in Rakhine back centuries. The court said in its judgment on Thursday it did not accept Myanmar’s assertion that it has been taking steps to facilitate the return of refugees, promote peace in Rakhine, and hold the military accountable through domestic mechanisms. "In particular, the Court notes that Myanmar has not presented to the Court concrete measures aimed specifically at recognizing and ensuring the right of the Rohingya to exist as a protected group under the Genocide Convention," it said. While Thursday's ruling was an emotional victory for the minority, who have for decades fought to prove their existence as an ethnic group, legal analysts said it will be difficult to force Myanmar to comply. In a statement late Thursday, the ministry of foreign affairs said it had noted the ruling but did not mention specific steps it was taking. The next morning the front page of the state-run newspaper the Global New Light of Myanmar read: "Myanmar takes note of ICJ decision. There was no genocide in Rakhine". While the measures are legally binding, there is no enforcement mechanism. In separate statements on Friday, Britain and Malaysia urged Myanmar to fully implement the measures. UN human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell told a UN briefing in Geneva the office "calls on Myanmar to immediately and unconditionally implement them in full". "We know that there are limitations but it’s very important for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh and in Myanmar to know that the world has heard them, the highest court in the land has made this decision," said human rights lawyer Antonia Mulvey. Kobsak Chutikul, a Thai diplomat who in 2018 quit a government-appointed panel set up to probe the alleged atrocities, said he feared the government would "delay and obfuscate" once the spotlight faded. Of dozens of people interviewed by Reuters in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, only two were aware of the judgment, and neither of them paid much heed. "I already knew that Myanmar would lose this case since the other side is funded by the Islamic countries," said a civil servant, who also asked not to be named.

Myanmar already protecting Rohingyas, says ruling party after ICJ order

Bangladesh on Monday sentenced 10&nbsp;terrorists to death for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-in-denial-over-jihadist-attacks-analysts-1705">2001 bombing which had killed five people</a>. &nbsp;

Ten Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami members have been convicted and sentenced to death, news agency AFP quoted the Dhaka city's&nbsp;public prosecutor as saying.

"They carried out the bombing as part of their jihad to establish a militant government. They wanted to smear the image of the secular government and create anarchy," prosecutor also said.

Meanwhile, two communist party members who were also accused of involvement in the attack were acquitted.

Several bombs were detonated in Dhaka in January 2001, at a meeting of the Communist Party of Bangladesh. After the investigation which lasted for several years, the police blamed the country's branch of the banned fundamentalist organisation, Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (HUJI).

Islamist groups have been targeting secular activists, moderate Muslims and religious minorities in Bangladesh since the 1990s.

HUJI and Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were the two most prominent outfits. Both were led by Afghan conflict veterans and were blamed for scores of deaths in bomb and grenade attacks.

The top six JMB leaders were executed in 2007 after being found guilty of synchronised bomb attacks in August 2005.

And HUJI chief Mufti Abdul Hannan and two associates were executed in April 2017 for orchestrating a 2004 attack on a Sufi shrine that killed three people and wounded the British high commissioner to Dhaka.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh on Monday sentenced 10 terrorists to death for the 2001 bombing which had killed five people. Ten Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami members have been convicted and sentenced to death, news agency AFP quoted the Dhaka city's public prosecutor as saying.

Bangladesh on Monday sentenced 10 terrorists to death for the 2001 bombing which had killed five people. Ten Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami members have been convicted and sentenced to death, news agency AFP quoted the Dhaka city's public prosecutor as saying. "They carried out the bombing as part of their jihad to establish a militant government. They wanted to smear the image of the secular government and create anarchy," prosecutor also said. Meanwhile, two communist party members who were also accused of involvement in the attack were acquitted. Several bombs were detonated in Dhaka in January 2001, at a meeting of the Communist Party of Bangladesh. After the investigation which lasted for several years, the police blamed the country's branch of the banned fundamentalist organisation, Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (HUJI). Islamist groups have been targeting secular activists, moderate Muslims and religious minorities in Bangladesh since the 1990s. HUJI and Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were the two most prominent outfits. Both were led by Afghan conflict veterans and were blamed for scores of deaths in bomb and grenade attacks. The top six JMB leaders were executed in 2007 after being found guilty of synchronised bomb attacks in August 2005. And HUJI chief Mufti Abdul Hannan and two associates were executed in April 2017 for orchestrating a 2004 attack on a Sufi shrine that killed three people and wounded the British high commissioner to Dhaka.

Bangladesh: 10 members of banned militant outfit sentenced to death for 2001 bombing

Bangladesh's high court has ordered the shutdown of 231 factories that have contributed to Dhaka's main river becoming one of the world's most polluted, a lawyer said Tuesday.

The country is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, but a recent industrial boom, including the emergence of the world's second-biggest garment industry, has prompted officials to turn a blind eye to the industrial waste they dump into rivers.

In a landmark decision hailed by activists, the court Monday ordered the authorities to take immediate action against the 231 factories including dyeing and rubber plants and tanneries dumping effluent into the Buriganga.

"The court asked them to disconnect all utilities including electricity, gas and water supplies to these factories," lawyer Manzil Murshid, who filed the public interest litigation, said.

"This order will go a long way to save the Buriganga from an ecological disaster," he told AFP.

The Buriganga connects the capital with the southern coastal districts through a network of rivers. For centuries it was the gateway to the 400-year-old city built by the Mughals.

But for decades more than 100 tanneries dumped industrial effluent into the river, turning it into one the world's dirtiest waterways, according to Ainun Nishat, a river expert.

According to the Human Rights Watch, each day the tanneries would discharge some 21,000 cubic metres (5.5 million US gallons) of untreated waste containing chromium, lead and other chemicals into the Buriganga.

Although under international pressure the tanneries were forced to relocate in 2017, hundreds of illegal factories, most constructed without complying with environmental regulations, continued to pollute the river.

"We welcome the decision because these factories kept on polluting the river as they didn't have any effluent treatment plants," Nishat said, adding he hoped the authorities would overcome "political pressure" to execute the order.

'Grievous crimes'

National River Conservation Commission of Bangladesh (NRCCB), the state-run legal guardian of all Bangladesh rivers, has called the verdict "a great achievement".

"These factories have been committing two grievous crimes. They don't have environmental approvals and have been polluting rivers for years," NRCCB chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader told AFP.

Howlader said the court decision would strengthen the authorities against influential factory owners. "We'll monitor the progress of the compliance," he said.

In recent years the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped up efforts to save rivers by ordering a nationwide drive to evict businesses, squatters and illegal factories from their shores.

Last year alone, the authorities demolished 4,000 illegal establishments from the banks of four Dhaka rivers.

Sheikh Rokon, the head of Riverine People advocacy group, said "at least 38 rivers are now dying due to unbridled pollution and land grabbing".

"The government must act fast against the polluters and grabbers. Otherwise, these rivers will be wiped off the country's map," he said. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh's high court has ordered the shutdown of 231 factories that have contributed to Dhaka's main river becoming one of the world's most polluted, a lawyer said Tuesday.

Bangladesh's high court has ordered the shutdown of 231 factories that have contributed to Dhaka's main river becoming one of the world's most polluted, a lawyer said Tuesday. The country is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, but a recent industrial boom, including the emergence of the world's second-biggest garment industry, has prompted officials to turn a blind eye to the industrial waste they dump into rivers. In a landmark decision hailed by activists, the court Monday ordered the authorities to take immediate action against the 231 factories including dyeing and rubber plants and tanneries dumping effluent into the Buriganga. "The court asked them to disconnect all utilities including electricity, gas and water supplies to these factories," lawyer Manzil Murshid, who filed the public interest litigation, said. "This order will go a long way to save the Buriganga from an ecological disaster," he told AFP. The Buriganga connects the capital with the southern coastal districts through a network of rivers. For centuries it was the gateway to the 400-year-old city built by the Mughals. But for decades more than 100 tanneries dumped industrial effluent into the river, turning it into one the world's dirtiest waterways, according to Ainun Nishat, a river expert. According to the Human Rights Watch, each day the tanneries would discharge some 21,000 cubic metres (5.5 million US gallons) of untreated waste containing chromium, lead and other chemicals into the Buriganga. Although under international pressure the tanneries were forced to relocate in 2017, hundreds of illegal factories, most constructed without complying with environmental regulations, continued to pollute the river. "We welcome the decision because these factories kept on polluting the river as they didn't have any effluent treatment plants," Nishat said, adding he hoped the authorities would overcome "political pressure" to execute the order. 'Grievous crimes' National River Conservation Commission of Bangladesh (NRCCB), the state-run legal guardian of all Bangladesh rivers, has called the verdict "a great achievement". "These factories have been committing two grievous crimes. They don't have environmental approvals and have been polluting rivers for years," NRCCB chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader told AFP. Howlader said the court decision would strengthen the authorities against influential factory owners. "We'll monitor the progress of the compliance," he said. In recent years the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped up efforts to save rivers by ordering a nationwide drive to evict businesses, squatters and illegal factories from their shores. Last year alone, the authorities demolished 4,000 illegal establishments from the banks of four Dhaka rivers. Sheikh Rokon, the head of Riverine People advocacy group, said "at least 38 rivers are now dying due to unbridled pollution and land grabbing". "The government must act fast against the polluters and grabbers. Otherwise, these rivers will be wiped off the country's map," he said.

In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-gets-government-clearance-only-for-t20i-series-in-pakistan-no-chance-of-test-cricket-273996">Bangladesh</a>. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-to-decide-on-test-tour-in-pakistan-today-273214">Bangladesh </a>captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.

Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans ​Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series. 
&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-recall-hafeez-and-malik-for-bangladesh-t20-series-274695">Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series</a>

<img alt="Bangladesh's Liton Das (R) plays a shot as Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan looks on " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35a237a8-38e2-4759-b181-995ff45a3b33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-24T165012.593.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Bangladesh's Liton Das (R);&nbsp;Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ]

"I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added.

The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first. Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series. Also Read: Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series [ Bangladesh's Liton Das (R); Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ] "I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added. The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.

Bangladesh wins toss, set to bat first in first T20I against Pakistan

Rohingyas who fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh were waiting on Wednesday (January 22) for a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a request for emergency measures in a genocide case against the country.

Rohingyas wait for international court decision

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government. He also spoke on Teesta, SAARC and other issues. WION is the first channel in India with which Bangladesh FM has spoken extensively since the passage of CAA law in December of 2019.

Bangladesh FM AK Abdul Momen on CAA/NRC: India will not harm Bangladesh, We trust New Delhi

Difference of opinions among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/wont-stake-claim-in-lok-sabha-for-leader-of-opposition-congress-223378">Congress</a> leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab.

After Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">Kapil Sibal</a>, party colleague and former Haryana chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bs-hooda-appointed-as-haryana-congress-legislature-party-leader-259457">Bhupinder Singh Hooda</a> also said that a State cannot refuse to implement a law passed by Parliament.

"Once a law or act is passed by the Parliament, I think that the constitutional view is that, any state can't and should not say no but this has to be legally examined," Hooda told ANI on Sunday.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who is also a renowned lawyer, had said that no State can say that it will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, as doing so will be unconstitutional.

Former union minister and party leader Salman Khurshid also backed Sibal and said 'if something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law'.

"If the SC doesn't interfere, it'll remain on the statute book. If something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law, else there are consequences. It is a matter where the state governments have a very serious difference of opinion with the Centre as far as this (CAA) law is concerned. So, we would wait for the final pronouncement made by the SC. Ultimately, the SC will decide and till then everything said, done, not done is provisional and tentative," he said.

However, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that that his party is thinking about bringing a resolution against the CAA in Congress-ruled states.

"After Punjab, we are thinking about bringing a resolution against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It would be a clear message to the Central Government to reconsider the Act," he said.

Several Opposition parties including Congress are opposing the CAA grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Several petitions have also been filed against the new Act in the Supreme Court.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also announced that his government will be joining the Kerala government in the Apex Court against CAA.

Difference of opinions among Congress leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab.

Difference of opinions among Congress leaders have started coming to fore over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in States of the country following the passing of resolution against the new legislation by the Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab. After Congress leader Kapil Sibal, party colleague and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also said that a State cannot refuse to implement a law passed by Parliament. "Once a law or act is passed by the Parliament, I think that the constitutional view is that, any state can't and should not say no but this has to be legally examined," Hooda told ANI on Sunday. Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who is also a renowned lawyer, had said that no State can say that it will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, as doing so will be unconstitutional. Former union minister and party leader Salman Khurshid also backed Sibal and said 'if something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law'. "If the SC doesn't interfere, it'll remain on the statute book. If something is on the statute book, you have to obey the law, else there are consequences. It is a matter where the state governments have a very serious difference of opinion with the Centre as far as this (CAA) law is concerned. So, we would wait for the final pronouncement made by the SC. Ultimately, the SC will decide and till then everything said, done, not done is provisional and tentative," he said. However, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that that his party is thinking about bringing a resolution against the CAA in Congress-ruled states. "After Punjab, we are thinking about bringing a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It would be a clear message to the Central Government to reconsider the Act," he said. Several Opposition parties including Congress are opposing the CAA grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Several petitions have also been filed against the new Act in the Supreme Court. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also announced that his government will be joining the Kerala government in the Apex Court against CAA.

Congress divided over CAA implementation

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Opinion: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government.

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Opinion: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government. Opinion: How CAA and NRC affect India-Bangladesh ties He also spoke on Teesta, SAARC and other issues. WION is the first channel in India with which Bangladesh FM has spoken extensively since the passage of CAA law in December of 2019. WION: How you see current ties between India and Bangladesh? A K Abdul Momen: Current ties between Bangladesh and India are simply excellent. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and confidence. WION: The key has been connectivity, how is the work going on the projects? A K Abdul Momen: Work on connectivity is progressing smoothly. WION: How do you see India's support on Rohingya refugee issue? Do u think India needs to do more? A K Abdul Momen: India assured us of full support on Rohingya issue. Being a friend, our expectation is that they will do much more proactively and effectively. WION: Are you hopefull, Teesta Issue will be resolved with India, given that it has been a long-pending issue? A K Abdul Momen: Yes, we are hopeful that Teesta issue will be resolved as India promised it. WION: The citizenship amendment law, is something that has been a talked about. Do you think, it is going to have a negative impact on the state of relationship? A K Abdul Momen: CAA and NRC issues are India's internal issues. India assured us repeatedly that these issues will not affect Bangladesh at all. We have trust in Indian leadership and we expect that India, being our historic friend will not do anything that may cause harm to Bangladesh. WION: On SAARC, do you think the body is dead? A K Abdul Momen: When relationship and confidence between Pakistan and India will improve, SAARC can be more effective and can deliver better. Thank you.

India will not harm Bangladesh, we trust New Delhi: Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on CAA-NRC

Bangladesh court on January 16 issued an arrest warrant for the country's most respected independent newspaper editor after a student was killed at an event organised by a sister publication.

Bangladesh govt muzzling voices of dissent?

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-president-xi-jinping-to-visit-myanmar-today-with-bri-on-agenda-274811">Rohingya</a> Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space. However, dates for the relocation of the refugees who fled from violent persecution are yet to be announced.

The refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh, Mahbub Alam Talukder said, “Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place.”

This move came after the world body, the United Nations called for a thorough assessment to ensure the viability of the move, saying it was discussing "critical protection and operational issues" ahead of any relocation.

As of now, Bangladesh has prohibited foreign media entities from visiting the island.

A local freelance journalist Saleh Noman who recently visited Bhasan Char described that a community is shaping -up there.

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ইউএনএইচসিআরের সহায়তায় পাল্টে গেছে গ্রামীণ চিত্র 
 
রোহিঙ্গাদের পাশাপাশি স্থানীয়দের জন্য শিক্ষা ,যোগাযোগ, বাসস্থানসহ বিভিন্ন্ ধরনের সাহাজ্য সহযোগিতা করে আসছে আর্ন্তজাতিক সংস্থা ইউএনএইচসিআর সহ বিভিন্ন আইএনজিও গুলো।<a href="https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47">https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47</a>ইউএনএইচসিআরের-সহায়তায়/ <a href="https://t.co/Xc1O4EWKCs">pic.twitter.com/Xc1O4EWKCs</a>
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“I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables,” he said. “All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines.”

The island is 21 miles ahead of the mainland of Bangladesh and had never been inhabited. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-has-softened-stance-following-icj-hearing-bangladesh-foreign-minister-268492">Bangladesh</a> is itself a low-lying delta nation prone to the tidal phenomenon.&nbsp;

The naval forces of Bangladesh have been trying their best to implement a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster the two-decades-old swampy island, which gets regularly submerged during the annual monsoon season.&nbsp;

International-aid authorities including the United Nations have expressed their vehement opposition since the plan to relocate was introduced back in 2015.

According to the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh, Mostofa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, the world body isn't ready to endorse the relocation and is waiting for a chance to visit the island after a November trip was canceled.

"The UN has emphasized the importance of undertaking independent and thorough technical and protection assessments that consider safety, sustainability, and protection issues prior to any relocation taking into place. The assessment process should include onsite visits to Bhasan Char,” Hossain said.&nbsp;

Most of the refugee camps that have been set up now in the beach town of Cox Bazar are overcrowded and unhygienic with diseases and organized crimes at rampant levels. Education is said to be very limited and there is no employment opportunity is available for the refugees.

Still, many Rohingyans are unwilling to return to their native lands in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-ready-to-go-back-rohingya-refugees-meet-with-myanmar-delegates-269053">Myanmar</a> due to safety concerns. Government officials still do not have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to be relocated to the island.

On the condition of anonymity, two Bangladeshi contractors spoke to media representatives and gave an update on the development of the island.&nbsp;

“We have built quality infrastructure. Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work. This is like a modern township project,” one contractor said.

“We have built multi-family concrete homes, hospitals, mosques, schools, playgrounds, and roads. There are solar-power facilities, a water supply system. We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted,” he said.

Bangladesh is in constant talks with UN humanitarian bodies, and working on their observations, said Enamur Rahman, the junior minister for disaster management and relief. "So we are going a little slow. There's no exact date to relocate," he added.

Amid of UN concerns over the relocation issues, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly told the UN and other international partners that her administration will consult them before making a final decision on the relocation and that no refugees will be forced to move.

Within an 'unsuccessful' bilateral framework, Bangladesh tried its best to send the Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar but no one was actually willing to go as Rohingya are not considered as citizens of Myanmar&nbsp;

The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, rendering them stateless, and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination.

A UN-sponsored investigation in 2018 recommended the prosecution of Myanmar’s top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence perpetrated against the Rohingya.

Myanmar is defending itself in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icj-ruling-on-urgent-measures-in-rohingya-case-on-january-23-gambia-274450">International Court of Justice</a> in the Hague, Netherlands, after the West African nation of Gambia brought a case backed by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

The Gambia in its submission said there was a “serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring” and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence. The court is expected to deliver a decision on January&nbsp;23 on what measures should be imposed.

Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh's top government official in Cox’s Bazar, said Thursday that discussions attempting to convince refugee families to move to the island are continuing. “We are ready. This is a continuous process,” he said.

"We are not in a hurry and it will start only when all these UN bodies and Rohingya people feel the area is ready."

Rahman said the government was working to build more cyclone shelters on the island, which is hours from the mainland by boat. Many Rohingya have opposed the transfer plan.

A World Food Programme document shows the UN's food agency supplied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/as-wider-trade-dispute-looms-malaysia-talks-to-india-over-palm-curbs-274679">Bangladesh</a> with detailed plans, including a timeline and a budget, on providing for thousands of Rohingya taken to the island within weeks.

Densely-populated Bangladesh says it has been grappling with the large refugee numbers.

The number of refugees in Cox's Bazar has swelled since August 2017, when a Myanmar military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was conducted with "genocidal intent" prompted some 730,000 Rohingya to flee.

Buddhist-majority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-president-xi-jinping-arrives-in-myanmar-seeking-to-push-belt-and-road-project-274887">Myanmar</a> has denied almost all accusations of atrocities made by refugees, saying its security forces engaged in a legitimate counterterrorism operation.

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space.

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space. However, dates for the relocation of the refugees who fled from violent persecution are yet to be announced. The refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh, Mahbub Alam Talukder said, “Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place.” This move came after the world body, the United Nations called for a thorough assessment to ensure the viability of the move, saying it was discussing "critical protection and operational issues" ahead of any relocation. As of now, Bangladesh has prohibited foreign media entities from visiting the island. A local freelance journalist Saleh Noman who recently visited Bhasan Char described that a community is shaping -up there. ইউএনএইচসিআরের সহায়তায় পাল্টে গেছে গ্রামীণ চিত্র রোহিঙ্গাদের পাশাপাশি স্থানীয়দের জন্য শিক্ষা ,যোগাযোগ, বাসস্থানসহ বিভিন্ন্ ধরনের সাহাজ্য সহযোগিতা করে আসছে আর্ন্তজাতিক সংস্থা ইউএনএইচসিআর সহ বিভিন্ন আইএনজিও গুলো।https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47ইউএনএইচসিআরের-সহায়তায়/ pic.twitter.com/Xc1O4EWKCs — UNHCR in Bangladesh (@UNHCR_BGD) January 6, 2020 × “I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables,” he said. “All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines.” The island is 21 miles ahead of the mainland of Bangladesh and had never been inhabited. Bangladesh is itself a low-lying delta nation prone to the tidal phenomenon. The naval forces of Bangladesh have been trying their best to implement a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster the two-decades-old swampy island, which gets regularly submerged during the annual monsoon season. International-aid authorities including the United Nations have expressed their vehement opposition since the plan to relocate was introduced back in 2015. According to the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh, Mostofa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, the world body isn't ready to endorse the relocation and is waiting for a chance to visit the island after a November trip was canceled. "The UN has emphasized the importance of undertaking independent and thorough technical and protection assessments that consider safety, sustainability, and protection issues prior to any relocation taking into place. The assessment process should include onsite visits to Bhasan Char,” Hossain said. Most of the refugee camps that have been set up now in the beach town of Cox Bazar are overcrowded and unhygienic with diseases and organized crimes at rampant levels. Education is said to be very limited and there is no employment opportunity is available for the refugees. Still, many Rohingyans are unwilling to return to their native lands in Myanmar due to safety concerns. Government officials still do not have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to be relocated to the island. On the condition of anonymity, two Bangladeshi contractors spoke to media representatives and gave an update on the development of the island. “We have built quality infrastructure. Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work. This is like a modern township project,” one contractor said. “We have built multi-family concrete homes, hospitals, mosques, schools, playgrounds, and roads. There are solar-power facilities, a water supply system. We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted,” he said. Bangladesh is in constant talks with UN humanitarian bodies, and working on their observations, said Enamur Rahman, the junior minister for disaster management and relief. "So we are going a little slow. There's no exact date to relocate," he added. Amid of UN concerns over the relocation issues, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly told the UN and other international partners that her administration will consult them before making a final decision on the relocation and that no refugees will be forced to move. Within an 'unsuccessful' bilateral framework, Bangladesh tried its best to send the Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar but no one was actually willing to go as Rohingya are not considered as citizens of Myanmar The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, rendering them stateless, and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination. A UN-sponsored investigation in 2018 recommended the prosecution of Myanmar’s top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence perpetrated against the Rohingya. Myanmar is defending itself in the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands, after the West African nation of Gambia brought a case backed by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. The Gambia in its submission said there was a “serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring” and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence. The court is expected to deliver a decision on January 23 on what measures should be imposed. Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh's top government official in Cox’s Bazar, said Thursday that discussions attempting to convince refugee families to move to the island are continuing. “We are ready. This is a continuous process,” he said. "We are not in a hurry and it will start only when all these UN bodies and Rohingya people feel the area is ready." Rahman said the government was working to build more cyclone shelters on the island, which is hours from the mainland by boat. Many Rohingya have opposed the transfer plan. A World Food Programme document shows the UN's food agency supplied Bangladesh with detailed plans, including a timeline and a budget, on providing for thousands of Rohingya taken to the island within weeks. Densely-populated Bangladesh says it has been grappling with the large refugee numbers. The number of refugees in Cox's Bazar has swelled since August 2017, when a Myanmar military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was conducted with "genocidal intent" prompted some 730,000 Rohingya to flee. Buddhist-majority Myanmar has denied almost all accusations of atrocities made by refugees, saying its security forces engaged in a legitimate counterterrorism operation.

Bangladesh: Once submerged island ready to house 1,00,000 Rohingyas

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Thursday slammed Pakistan's decision to omit Ahmed Shehzad from the upcoming Bangladesh T20I squad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-recall-hafeez-and-malik-for-bangladesh-t20-series-274695">Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series</a>

Taking to Twitter, Pietersen said that opening batsman had a decent record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and despite that, he has been dropped from the side which is "stupid".

"Just seen the team that PAKISTAN have picked to play Bangladesh. How on this planet can @iamahmadshazhad NOT be in that squad??? His PSL numbers and domestic number are so much better than the batter picked ahead of him! STUPID!" Pietersen tweeted.

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Just seen the team that PAKISTAN have picked to play Bangladesh. 
 
How on this planet can @iamahmadshazhad NOT be in that squad??? 
 
His PSL numbers and domestic number are so much better than the batter picked ahead of him! 
 
STUPID!
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1217847999453433857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Shehzad last played against Sri Lanka in the T20I in October 2019. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have returned to the Pakistani side for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Malik played his last T20 game against Pakistan in February 2019 while Hafeez is returning to the side after a break of 14 months.

Haris Rauf, Ahsan Ali and Amad Ali have got their maiden call for the Bangladesh series.

Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, and Wahab Riaz have been ruled out of the side following a T20I series defeat against Australia.

Pakistan lost the three-match T20I series against Australia 2-0. The first T20I match was abandoned due to rain.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir.

Bangladesh will play three T20I matches against the hosts on January 24, 25 and 27 in Lahore.

&nbsp;

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Thursday slammed Pakistan's decision to omit Ahmed Shehzad from the upcoming Bangladesh T20I squad. Also read: Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series Taking to Twitter, Pietersen said that opening batsman had a decent record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and despite that, he has been dropped from the side which is "stupid".

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Thursday slammed Pakistan's decision to omit Ahmed Shehzad from the upcoming Bangladesh T20I squad. Also read: Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series Taking to Twitter, Pietersen said that opening batsman had a decent record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and despite that, he has been dropped from the side which is "stupid". "Just seen the team that PAKISTAN have picked to play Bangladesh. How on this planet can @iamahmadshazhad NOT be in that squad??? His PSL numbers and domestic number are so much better than the batter picked ahead of him! STUPID!" Pietersen tweeted. Just seen the team that PAKISTAN have picked to play Bangladesh. How on this planet can @iamahmadshazhad NOT be in that squad??? His PSL numbers and domestic number are so much better than the batter picked ahead of him! STUPID! — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 16, 2020 × Shehzad last played against Sri Lanka in the T20I in October 2019. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have returned to the Pakistani side for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Malik played his last T20 game against Pakistan in February 2019 while Hafeez is returning to the side after a break of 14 months. Haris Rauf, Ahsan Ali and Amad Ali have got their maiden call for the Bangladesh series. Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, and Wahab Riaz have been ruled out of the side following a T20I series defeat against Australia. Pakistan lost the three-match T20I series against Australia 2-0. The first T20I match was abandoned due to rain. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir. Bangladesh will play three T20I matches against the hosts on January 24, 25 and 27 in Lahore.

Kevin Pietersen calls Pakistani selectors 'stupid' for dropping Shehzad in upcoming T20 series

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