<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../bangladesh-cricket-board-to-decide-on-test-tour -in-pakistan-today-273214">Pakistan</a> recalled veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, but surprisingly dropped pacemen Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz from the 15-man squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh starting next week.

Also read:&nbsp;<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 board gets government clearance for T20I series in Pak</a>

The squad announced by chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is a total revamp to the team which lost 3-0 to Sri Lanka in October last year, and then 2-0 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../finch-warner-slay-india-australia-win-first-odi- by-10-wickets-274267">Australia </a>in November.

It comes as Pakistan hopes to hang on to its world number one rankings in the shorter format as well as prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in nine months.

Eight players who were part of the squad in the Australia Twenty20 series,&nbsp;&nbsp;opener Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, paceman Mohammad Irfan, Amir and Riaz, batsmen Asif Ali and Haris Sohail&nbsp;have been dropped.

Misbah admitted the "alarming" recent losses had forced the changes.

"How to return to winning ways was the basis of our selection," he said during the squad announcement.

The three matches are scheduled in Lahore on January 24, 25 and 27. Bangladesh will also play a one-day international and two Tests on two separate visits to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Hafeez, 39, played the last of his 89 Twenty20s against New Zealand in November 2018, while Malik's last of 111 Twenty20 matches was in South Africa last year.

Misbah defended Malik and Hafeez's recall.

"When Malik and Hafeez were dropped for the Sri Lanka series we had said that both are experienced and doors were not shut on their selection," he said.&nbsp;

Some exciting uncapped youngsters have also been included in the squad for the first time, such as 26-year-old paceman Haris Rauf, allrounder Amad Butt, 24, and opener Ahsan Ali, 26.&nbsp;

Rauf was discovered during a talent hunt program by the Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars.&nbsp;

His 16 wickets in seven matches of the ongoing Big Bash Twenty20 league in Australia opened his way on to the team. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir.

Pakistan recalled veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, but surprisingly dropped pacemen Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz from the 15-man squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh starting next week.

Pakistan recalled veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, but surprisingly dropped pacemen Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz from the 15-man squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh starting next week. Also read: Bangladesh board gets government clearance for T20I series in Pak The squad announced by chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is a total revamp to the team which lost 3-0 to Sri Lanka in October last year, and then 2-0 to Australia in November. It comes as Pakistan hopes to hang on to its world number one rankings in the shorter format as well as prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in nine months. Eight players who were part of the squad in the Australia Twenty20 series, opener Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, paceman Mohammad Irfan, Amir and Riaz, batsmen Asif Ali and Haris Sohail have been dropped. Misbah admitted the "alarming" recent losses had forced the changes. "How to return to winning ways was the basis of our selection," he said during the squad announcement. The three matches are scheduled in Lahore on January 24, 25 and 27. Bangladesh will also play a one-day international and two Tests on two separate visits to Pakistan. Hafeez, 39, played the last of his 89 Twenty20s against New Zealand in November 2018, while Malik's last of 111 Twenty20 matches was in South Africa last year. Misbah defended Malik and Hafeez's recall. "When Malik and Hafeez were dropped for the Sri Lanka series we had said that both are experienced and doors were not shut on their selection," he said. Some exciting uncapped youngsters have also been included in the squad for the first time, such as 26-year-old paceman Haris Rauf, allrounder Amad Butt, 24, and opener Ahsan Ali, 26. Rauf was discovered during a talent hunt program by the Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars. His 16 wickets in seven matches of the ongoing Big Bash Twenty20 league in Australia opened his way on to the team. Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir.

Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series

Protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka after the city polls coincided with the annual Saraswati puja festival. Saraswati puja is also known as Basant Panchami, which is one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The polls are scheduled for January 30.

Dhaka Polls Vs Saraswati Puja: Plea to change poll date rejected

How climate change is unleashing nature's fury on the world

Bangladesh's state-owned radio public broadcaster, Bangladesh Betar and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-fm-channels-to-be-permitted-to-broadcast-air-news-189040">All India Radio</a> on Tuesday inaugurated a content sharing programme.

The inauguration of the programme took place during the India and Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Ministers Meet 2020.

Bangladesh Information Minister Muhammad H Mahmud, who arrived here on Monday, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/we-have-to-further-indias-soft-power-ib-minister-prakash-javadekar-at-iffi-2019-263551">Prakash Javadekar</a> also held talks on bilaterally planned biopic of Bangladesh founding father <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman</a>.

An MoU between the National Film Development Corporation of India and Film Development Corporation of Bangladesh was also signed.

Bangladesh's state-owned radio public broadcaster, Bangladesh Betar and All India Radio on Tuesday inaugurated a content sharing programme. The inauguration of the programme took place during the India and Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Ministers Meet 2020.

Bangladesh's state-owned radio public broadcaster, Bangladesh Betar and All India Radio on Tuesday inaugurated a content sharing programme. The inauguration of the programme took place during the India and Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Ministers Meet 2020. Bangladesh Information Minister Muhammad H Mahmud, who arrived here on Monday, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar also held talks on bilaterally planned biopic of Bangladesh founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. An MoU between the National Film Development Corporation of India and Film Development Corporation of Bangladesh was also signed.

All India Radio, Bangladesh counterpart sign content sharing programme

Same as earlier the Deputy Foreign Minister of Bangladesh M. Shahriar Alam has cancelled his participation in next week's Raisina Dialogue. This marks the third such cancellation of the ministerial visit within a month. #Bangladesh #India #WION

Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister cancels India visit

A top Bangladeshi Sufi folk singer was arrested under a controversial internet law that critics say is used to stifle free speech after alleged anti-Islam comments triggered protests, police said Sunday.

Shariat Sarker, 40, was detained in the central town of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/heres-ali-fazals-first-look-from-kenneth-branaghs-death-on-the-nile-265972/amp">Mirzapur</a> on Saturday, local police chief Saidur Rahman told reporters.

A cleric filed a case against Sarker over comments made at a show in December, and he was arrested under the Digital Security Act for "hurting the religious sentiment of Muslims," Rahman said.&nbsp;

Film of the show was uploaded to YouTube and more than 1,000 Muslim activists and clerics staged a rally to demand the singer's arrest.

Sarker could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty at trial.

Journalists and rights activists say the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/protests-in-the-times-of-internet-shutdowns-271396">Digital Security Act</a> 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.

Sarker is well known among the tens of millions of Sufi followers in rural <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-foreign-ministry-rebuffs-misleading-reports-regarding-cancellation-of-ministers-participation-in-raisina-dialogue-273719">Bangladesh</a>. Music expert Saymon Zakaria said folk singers regularly take liberties when interpreting Islamic legends in a way that may not reflect the official version.

"There should not be literal interpretations of what is said during a performance. Folk singers must have freedom of expression," Zakaria said.

Despite holding a prominent place in Bangladesh's history, more than a dozen Sufi leaders and followers have been killed in recent years by extremist Islamist groups who consider them heretics.

A top Bangladeshi Sufi folk singer was arrested under a controversial internet law that critics say is used to stifle free speech after alleged anti-Islam comments triggered protests, police said Sunday.

A top Bangladeshi Sufi folk singer was arrested under a controversial internet law that critics say is used to stifle free speech after alleged anti-Islam comments triggered protests, police said Sunday. Shariat Sarker, 40, was detained in the central town of Mirzapur on Saturday, local police chief Saidur Rahman told reporters. A cleric filed a case against Sarker over comments made at a show in December, and he was arrested under the Digital Security Act for "hurting the religious sentiment of Muslims," Rahman said. Film of the show was uploaded to YouTube and more than 1,000 Muslim activists and clerics staged a rally to demand the singer's arrest. Sarker could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty at trial. 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. Sarker is well known among the tens of millions of Sufi followers in rural Bangladesh. Music expert Saymon Zakaria said folk singers regularly take liberties when interpreting Islamic legends in a way that may not reflect the official version. "There should not be literal interpretations of what is said during a performance. Folk singers must have freedom of expression," Zakaria said. Despite holding a prominent place in Bangladesh's history, more than a dozen Sufi leaders and followers have been killed in recent years by extremist Islamist groups who consider them heretics.

Bangladesh: Police arrests Sufi singer for 'hurting the sentiment of Muslims'

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-deputy-foreign-minister-cancelled-his-india-visit-273654">Shariar Alam</a> to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/norways-pm-erna-solberg-to-visit-new-delhi-as-years-1st-foreign-leader-187985">Raisina Dialogue</a> in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)."

The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-entities-to-invest-up-to-7-billion-in-india-uae-food-corridor-piyush-goyal-256334">UAE</a> to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

"Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated.

Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF.

"It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said.

Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi.

Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-to-india-for-its-role-in-liberation-war-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-263955">Sheikh Hasina</a> on her visit to Abu Dhabi. 
The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.

Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-minister-has-given-explanation-for-cancelling-his-india-visit-mea-267936">A K Abdul Momen</a> and Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-rajnath-singh-reaches-dhaka-hopes-to-strengthen-bilateral-relation-151531">Asaduzzaman Khan</a> had cancelled their scheduled visits to India.

After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)." The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated. Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF. "It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said. Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi. Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her visit to Abu Dhabi. The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan had cancelled their scheduled visits to India. After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue

On Sunday night, a 21-year-old student of Dhaka University in Bangladesh was attacked and raped. This incident has triggered massive protests in Dhaka. Details in this report. #Bangladesh #Dhaka #RapeInDhaka #Gravitas

Gravitas: Massive protests in Bangladesh after 21-year old student raped in Dhaka

Bangladesh Cricket Board and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pakistan-have-no-dearth-of-talents-says-waqar- younis-271890">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them.

Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not.

In 2009, Sri Lanka's National Team bus on it's way to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was brutally ambushed by terrorists leaving 8 people dead and 7 Sri Lanka players and staff injured. After which Teams have been hesitant of tours in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan have managed to successfully host <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../sri-lanka-arrive-for-first-tests-in-pakistan-since- 2009-attack-267140">Sri Lanka</a> in ODI, T20I, and Test Series after a long decade gap.

The fear of security lures in for the Bangladesh Cricket team. The BCB had agreed on playing the T20I in Pakistan as the T20 World Cup closes in, but they wanted a neutral venue to play two test matches.&nbsp;

These matches are for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first- test-270868">World Test Championship</a>, so they are significant for both sides.

In December, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani wrote an e-mail to Bangladesh Cricket Board, asking them to provide valid reasons for not playing in Pakistan. &nbsp;

"We said we want to play only T20Is, but they wanted us to play the Tests. We will play the T20Is bilaterally before the [T20] World Cup. This was PCB's proposal today, but we haven't decided yet. We will on Thursday," said Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ANI.

Pakistan are&nbsp;fourth in ICC World Test Championship, with one win, two losses and a draw whereas Bangladesh are&nbsp;at the bottom of the table without a win and two heavy defeats. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri-lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead</a>

Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them. Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not.

Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them. Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not. In 2009, Sri Lanka's National Team bus on it's way to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was brutally ambushed by terrorists leaving 8 people dead and 7 Sri Lanka players and staff injured. After which Teams have been hesitant of tours in Pakistan. Pakistan have managed to successfully host Sri Lanka in ODI, T20I, and Test Series after a long decade gap. The fear of security lures in for the Bangladesh Cricket team. The BCB had agreed on playing the T20I in Pakistan as the T20 World Cup closes in, but they wanted a neutral venue to play two test matches. These matches are for the World Test Championship, so they are significant for both sides. In December, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani wrote an e-mail to Bangladesh Cricket Board, asking them to provide valid reasons for not playing in Pakistan. "We said we want to play only T20Is, but they wanted us to play the Tests. We will play the T20Is bilaterally before the [T20] World Cup. This was PCB's proposal today, but we haven't decided yet. We will on Thursday," said Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ANI. Pakistan are fourth in ICC World Test Championship, with one win, two losses and a draw whereas Bangladesh are at the bottom of the table without a win and two heavy defeats. Also read: India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead

Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide on Test Tour in Pakistan today

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-issues-guidelines-for-its-personnel-visiting-kartarpur-corridor-266732">Indian Army</a> on the security situation, sources said.

This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/beyond-article-370-india-now-has-to-plan-jammu-and-kashmirs-thoroughgoing-integration-into-the-union-243991">Article 370</a> of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region.

Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit.

Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region.

A 15-member delegation of envoys from different countries arrived here on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to see first hand the efforts being made by the government in the region. The Delhi-based envoys were briefed by the Indian Army on the security situation, sources said. This is the first visit by diplomats to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to the region. Sources had earlier said that the delegation, which includes diplomats from the United States, Maldives, Norway, Argentina, Niger, Togo, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Peru, Morocco, among others, will meet civil society leaders and will be briefed on the security situation by the Army and intelligence services during the two-day visit. Last year a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament had visited the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370.

Delegation of foreign envoys arrive in Srinagar; briefed by Army on security situation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>'s high court ordered the government Monday to introduce steps by next year broadly banning single-use plastics following a landmark case brought by environmental groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-comes-up-with-anger-management-park-to-cope-with-pollution-stress-31071">Pollution</a> from single-use plastics is a major problem in Bangladesh, where nearly 170 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-445-trespassers-trying-to-return-to-bangladesh-detained-in-last-two-months-bgb-dg-271787">people</a> live in a tiny sliver of low-lying land crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers and tributaries.

Waterways are frequently clogged by plastic garbage, leading to frequent flooding during the monsoon and causing widespread damage to the sensitive coastal mangroves.

"The high court has directed the government to prohibit the use of single-use plastic items in hotels, motels and restaurants throughout Bangladesh within a year," said Rizwana Hasan, a top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cold-snap-kills-50-in-bangladesh-270847">environmental</a> lawyer who moved the public interest litigation through the court.

"The government has also been directed to make all coastal areas free of polythene bags and single-use plastic items within the same period," Hasan told sources.

The court also ordered the government to fully implement a landmark 2002 order to ban the use of polythene bags.

Two decades ago Bangladesh became one of the first countries to ban polythene bags, but the order was never enforced - owing partly to lobbying by plastic bag manufacturers.

Still, Hasan called Monday's ruling an "important" step.

Bangladesh's high court ordered the government Monday to introduce steps by next year broadly banning single-use plastics following a landmark case brought by environmental groups.

Bangladesh's high court ordered the government Monday to introduce steps by next year broadly banning single-use plastics following a landmark case brought by environmental groups. Pollution from single-use plastics is a major problem in Bangladesh, where nearly 170 million people live in a tiny sliver of low-lying land crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers and tributaries. Waterways are frequently clogged by plastic garbage, leading to frequent flooding during the monsoon and causing widespread damage to the sensitive coastal mangroves. "The high court has directed the government to prohibit the use of single-use plastic items in hotels, motels and restaurants throughout Bangladesh within a year," said Rizwana Hasan, a top environmental lawyer who moved the public interest litigation through the court. "The government has also been directed to make all coastal areas free of polythene bags and single-use plastic items within the same period," Hasan told sources. The court also ordered the government to fully implement a landmark 2002 order to ban the use of polythene bags. Two decades ago Bangladesh became one of the first countries to ban polythene bags, but the order was never enforced - owing partly to lobbying by plastic bag manufacturers. Still, Hasan called Monday's ruling an "important" step.

Bangladesh court orders government to ban single-use plastics

The sexual assault of a student at a top university in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;triggered angry protests in&nbsp;the country on Monday, with demonstrators urging the death penalty for convicted rapists.&nbsp;

The South Asian nation has seen a doubling of reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-media-mogul-rejects-rape-accusations-by-filmmaker-271209">rape cases</a> in the last year, according to activists, triggering spasms of public anger directed at the glacial response of police and the justice system.&nbsp;

"Rape is an unforgivable offence. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-445-trespassers-trying-to-return-to-bangladesh-detained-in-last-two-months-bgb-dg-271787">Bangladesh</a>, the punishment for rape is very slow," said demonstrator Shahela, who like the 21-year-old victim of Sunday's attack is a student at the prestigious Dhaka University in the capital.&nbsp;

"We want quick executions for the perpetrators so that others are deterred from committing such crimes."

Demonstrators linked arms and marched along key roads in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-caa-and-nrc-are-affecting-india-bangladesh-ties-271710">Dhaka</a>, halting traffic to demand the perpetrator's arrest within 24 hours.

"We are working to arrest him," senior police official Sazzadur Rahman told sources.

Police said around 1,500 students joined the protests, which remained peaceful. Reports estimated that twice as many people joined the rally.&nbsp;

The victim in Sunday's attack was travelling to a friend's home when she was gagged, taken to a remote area in Dhaka's outskirts and sexually assaulted.

Local rights group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladeshis-protest-after-sexually-assaulted-girl-burned-to-death-212060">Ain O Salish Kendra</a> said that there were 1,413 reported rape cases in&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;last year, double the number recorded in 2018. Dozens of victims were killed while 10 committed suicide after they were attacked.&nbsp;

Nationwide protests gripped&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;in April after a 19-year-old student who accused her seminary's head teacher of sexual harassment was doused in kerosene and set on fire.

Sixteen people were later sentenced to death over the attack, including the teacher.

Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh sentences 16 to death for killing teenager in harassment case

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The sexual assault of a student at a top university in Bangladesh triggered angry protests in the country on Monday, with demonstrators urging the death penalty for convicted rapists.

The sexual assault of a student at a top university in Bangladesh triggered angry protests in the country on Monday, with demonstrators urging the death penalty for convicted rapists. The South Asian nation has seen a doubling of reported rape cases in the last year, according to activists, triggering spasms of public anger directed at the glacial response of police and the justice system. "Rape is an unforgivable offence. In Bangladesh, the punishment for rape is very slow," said demonstrator Shahela, who like the 21-year-old victim of Sunday's attack is a student at the prestigious Dhaka University in the capital. "We want quick executions for the perpetrators so that others are deterred from committing such crimes." Demonstrators linked arms and marched along key roads in Dhaka, halting traffic to demand the perpetrator's arrest within 24 hours. "We are working to arrest him," senior police official Sazzadur Rahman told sources. Police said around 1,500 students joined the protests, which remained peaceful. Reports estimated that twice as many people joined the rally. The victim in Sunday's attack was travelling to a friend's home when she was gagged, taken to a remote area in Dhaka's outskirts and sexually assaulted. Local rights group Ain O Salish Kendra said that there were 1,413 reported rape cases in Bangladesh last year, double the number recorded in 2018. Dozens of victims were killed while 10 committed suicide after they were attacked. Nationwide protests gripped Bangladesh in April after a 19-year-old student who accused her seminary's head teacher of sexual harassment was doused in kerosene and set on fire. Sixteen people were later sentenced to death over the attack, including the teacher. Watch: Bangladesh sentences 16 to death for killing teenager in harassment case ×

Student's rape triggers protests in Dhaka

Pakistan PM Imran Khan tweets an old video from Bangladesh, calls it 'program against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. #ImranKhan #FakeNews #Pakistan

Gravitas: Pak PM Imran Khan: The source of fake news!

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-400-bangaldeshi-nationals-trying-to-flee-india-arrested-by-border-guards-271691">Border Guard Bangladesh</a> (BGB) -&nbsp;Shafeenul Islam.

At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune.

&nbsp;

Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration

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Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-border-forces-to-hold-high-level-talks-from-tomorrow-in-delhi-163097">BGB-BSF meeting</a> in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas."

He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings.

Responding to a question whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-caa-and-nrc-are-affecting-india-bangladesh-ties-271710">NRC and CAA</a>&nbsp;were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter."

He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar.

Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam. At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune. Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration × Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level BGB-BSF meeting in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas." He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings. Responding to a question whether NRC and CAA were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter." He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar. Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers detained in last two months: Bangladesh border guard

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently.

Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed. It settled a long-standing border dispute, but recent developments in India&nbsp;following NRC and CAA have created some turbulence in the relationship.&nbsp;

When Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in October last year - she had a complaint. Hasina blamed India for a sudden spike in the onion prices in Bangladesh.

This candid disclosure didn't worry the Indian government too much. India and Bangladesh have forged a strong relationship in the last five years, but recent developments present a new test for both neighbours.

Bangladesh media has widely covered India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Bangladeshi citizens are debating India's new law.&nbsp;

Dhaka describes the Citizenship Amendment Act as an internal matter of India. However, there are some who disagree - a professional body of reporters debated the issue at a forum. Some experts in Dhaka see the CAA as a global issue.

Within Bangladesh, there is a growing concern that illegal migrants living in India will be sent back to Dhaka. 
The Sheikh Hasina government has tried to allay fears. In December, Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen assured&nbsp;the citizens that the Bangladeshis&nbsp;living in India will be repatriated as per the procedure.

Despite the word of assurance, Sheikh Hasina's government is facing pressure from within. Bangladesh is already battling the Rohingya crisis.&nbsp;

Cox's Bazar has turned into the world's largest refugee camp. More than 900 thousand Rohingyas are living there today. People fear that the eviction of illegal residents from India will only make matters worse.

These concerns were perhaps a trigger for Bangladesh to shut down mobile phone services along the border with India. While connectivity was restored, the confidence hasn't.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The views are channel's take on the issue)&nbsp;

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently. Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently. Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed. It settled a long-standing border dispute, but recent developments in India following NRC and CAA have created some turbulence in the relationship. When Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in October last year - she had a complaint. Hasina blamed India for a sudden spike in the onion prices in Bangladesh. This candid disclosure didn't worry the Indian government too much. India and Bangladesh have forged a strong relationship in the last five years, but recent developments present a new test for both neighbours. Bangladesh media has widely covered India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Bangladeshi citizens are debating India's new law. Dhaka describes the Citizenship Amendment Act as an internal matter of India. However, there are some who disagree - a professional body of reporters debated the issue at a forum. Some experts in Dhaka see the CAA as a global issue. Within Bangladesh, there is a growing concern that illegal migrants living in India will be sent back to Dhaka. The Sheikh Hasina government has tried to allay fears. In December, Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen assured the citizens that the Bangladeshis living in India will be repatriated as per the procedure. Despite the word of assurance, Sheikh Hasina's government is facing pressure from within. Bangladesh is already battling the Rohingya crisis. Cox's Bazar has turned into the world's largest refugee camp. More than 900 thousand Rohingyas are living there today. People fear that the eviction of illegal residents from India will only make matters worse. These concerns were perhaps a trigger for Bangladesh to shut down mobile phone services along the border with India. While connectivity was restored, the confidence hasn't. (Disclaimer: The views are channel's take on the issue)

How CAA and NRC affect India-Bangladesh ties

Summarising The Concerns Of Bangladesh Over India's Citizenship Law. #WION #Gravitas #CAA

Gravitas: India's new Citizenship law: Why is Bangladesh worried?

Bangladesh Border Guard has reported that it has now detained 445 Bangladeshis who were trying to enter Bangladesh from India. #WION #WIONDispatch #Bangladesh

WION Dispatch: Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mother-of-toddler-released-after-being-jailed-for-14-days-for-protesting-against-caa-271588">Bangladesh nationals</a>,&nbsp;who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country.

All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement.

The Bangladeshi nationals had moved to as far as Bengaluru in south India where they were staying without documents, Shafeenul also said.

The latest development comes as India Indian government passed a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-heres-why-the-police-force-is-being-targetted-and-demonised-271596"> Citizenship Amendment Ac</a>t which gives citizenship to persecuted refugees coming from three neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Act has sparked massive protests across the country in which several clashes between protestors and police were also reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian MEA comes clean on Bangladesh

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Another reason for&nbsp;this reverse migration can be attributed to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which has already been carried&nbsp;out in Assam state.

A total of 972 persons were apprehended while entering the territory in the last one-year with half the number entering in November and December only.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked t<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-restores-mobile-network-in-border-areas-with-india-271463">elecom operators to shut down the mobile network</a> in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. The services were however restored a day after on Wednesday.

Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 Bangladesh nationals, who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country. All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement.

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 Bangladesh nationals, who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country. All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement. The Bangladeshi nationals had moved to as far as Bengaluru in south India where they were staying without documents, Shafeenul also said. The latest development comes as India Indian government passed a Citizenship Amendment Act which gives citizenship to persecuted refugees coming from three neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Act has sparked massive protests across the country in which several clashes between protestors and police were also reported. Watch | Indian MEA comes clean on Bangladesh × Another reason for this reverse migration can be attributed to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which has already been carried out in Assam state. A total of 972 persons were apprehended while entering the territory in the last one-year with half the number entering in November and December only. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. The services were however restored a day after on Wednesday. Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

Over 400 Bangaldeshi nationals trying to flee India arrested by border guards

The telecom regulator in Bangladesh on December 31, 2019 ordered network carriers to shut services along the India-Bangladesh border. The regulator cited security reasons. #WION #Bangladesh

Bangladesh suspends mobile internet cites security concerns

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

“Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar.

However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border.

People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected.

Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday. “Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read. On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border. People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected. Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’. While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

Bangladesh restores mobile network in border areas with India

Bangladesh has reversed its decision of shutting down mobile networks along the country's over 4,000 km-long borders with India, two days after asking telecom operators to block the services citing "security" reasons, according to media reports on January 1, 2020. #Bangladesh #NetworkServices #BangladeshMobileServices

WION Dispatch: Bangladesh mobile services suspension revoked

Wearing skimpy bikinis to show-off one's muscles in a bodybuilding competition may be the norm worldwide, but not in Bangladesh. The country recently hosted its first ever bodybuilding contest for women which had contestants fully clothed.&nbsp; 
 
The championship was won by a 19-year-old Awhona Rahman, who along&nbsp;with 29 other contestants kept her brawn under wraps in front of the crowd of hundreds. 
 
Instead, Rahman and the other competitors struck poses on stage wearing tight leggings and body-hugging outfits during the three-day event that finished on Sunday and was held in the capital Dhaka.&nbsp; 
 
"I am really happy, I really worked hard for this," Rahman was quoted as saying to news agency AFP.&nbsp; 
 
"It never entered my mind that someone might criticise me for showing my body. My brother, who runs a fitness centre, has always encouraged me," she added.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbangladesh.bodybuilding.federation%2Fvideos%2F513314332623106%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe> 
 
"We were told there would be proper dress code and the outfit provided was perfect from a Bangladeshi perspective." 
 
Bangladesh Bodybuilding Federation general secretary Nazrul Islam said there had been a huge response to the landmark women's competition which aimed to encourage health and fitness.&nbsp; 
 
"We were very careful about the dress code because of our religious and social culture. We selected long sleeve crop tops and leggings for the girls," he added. 
 
Islam predicted the competition would help create jobs for women in the growing number of gymnasiums in Bangladesh where women now have memberships. 
 
Nearly 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim and women are making a growing impact in sport including cricket, football and archery.

Wearing skimpy bikinis to show-off one's muscles in a bodybuilding competition may be the norm worldwide, but not in Bangladesh. The country recently hosted its first ever bodybuilding contest for women which had contestants fully clothed.

Wearing skimpy bikinis to show-off one's muscles in a bodybuilding competition may be the norm worldwide, but not in Bangladesh. The country recently hosted its first ever bodybuilding contest for women which had contestants fully clothed. The championship was won by a 19-year-old Awhona Rahman, who along with 29 other contestants kept her brawn under wraps in front of the crowd of hundreds. Instead, Rahman and the other competitors struck poses on stage wearing tight leggings and body-hugging outfits during the three-day event that finished on Sunday and was held in the capital Dhaka. "I am really happy, I really worked hard for this," Rahman was quoted as saying to news agency AFP. "It never entered my mind that someone might criticise me for showing my body. My brother, who runs a fitness centre, has always encouraged me," she added. "We were told there would be proper dress code and the outfit provided was perfect from a Bangladeshi perspective." Bangladesh Bodybuilding Federation general secretary Nazrul Islam said there had been a huge response to the landmark women's competition which aimed to encourage health and fitness. "We were very careful about the dress code because of our religious and social culture. We selected long sleeve crop tops and leggings for the girls," he added. Islam predicted the competition would help create jobs for women in the growing number of gymnasiums in Bangladesh where women now have memberships. Nearly 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim and women are making a growing impact in sport including cricket, football and archery.

Bangladesh hosts its first body-building contest for women; makes contestants cover up

The telecom regulator in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-50-killed-in-bangladesh-cold-wave-271114">Bangladesh</a> recently ordered network carriers to halt services along the India-Bangladesh border. The regulator cited security reasons.&nbsp;

No network is available on a kilometre-long stretch along the India-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-halts-breast-milk-scheme-after-islamist-backlash-271038">Bangladesh</a> border. According to the official statement released on Monday, this was done "for the sake of the country's security in the current circumstances".

Reuters reported that the decision was taken after the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in India, with Bangladesh fearing an influx of Muslim migrants from India. The act aims to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

The act was met with violent protests and agitation across the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The telecom regulator in Bangladesh recently ordered network carriers to halt services along the India-Bangladesh border. The regulator cited security reasons. No network is available on a kilometre-long stretch along the India-Bangladesh border.

The telecom regulator in Bangladesh recently ordered network carriers to halt services along the India-Bangladesh border. The regulator cited security reasons. No network is available on a kilometre-long stretch along the India-Bangladesh border. According to the official statement released on Monday, this was done "for the sake of the country's security in the current circumstances". Reuters reported that the decision was taken after the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in India, with Bangladesh fearing an influx of Muslim migrants from India. The act aims to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The act was met with violent protests and agitation across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh suspends network services along border with India

At least 50 people have died in northern Bangladesh as the cold wave continued to shiver the&nbsp;country.

The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius (40.1° Fahrenheit) on Sunday in Tetulia, a border town in northern Bangladesh.

"The cold wave drifting down from the Himalayas has adversely affected all kinds of business establishments, including farming, restaurants, and retail shops," said Aisha Nuri, a leading government official.

A prolonged cold spell in Bangladesh could hit the rice crop, said Mizanur Rahman, a senior official at the agriculture ministry.

According to local media report, the cold spell accompanied by chilly winds and the dense fog is expected to continue for a few more days.

Several flights were delayed or diverted due to the dense fog.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces to move homeless people to shelters.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 50 people have died in northern Bangladesh as the cold wave continued to shiver the country. The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.

At least 50 people have died in northern Bangladesh as the cold wave continued to shiver the country. The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius (40.1° Fahrenheit) on Sunday in Tetulia, a border town in northern Bangladesh. "The cold wave drifting down from the Himalayas has adversely affected all kinds of business establishments, including farming, restaurants, and retail shops," said Aisha Nuri, a leading government official. A prolonged cold spell in Bangladesh could hit the rice crop, said Mizanur Rahman, a senior official at the agriculture ministry. According to local media report, the cold spell accompanied by chilly winds and the dense fog is expected to continue for a few more days. Several flights were delayed or diverted due to the dense fog. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces to move homeless people to shelters. (With inputs from agencies)

Cold wave continues to shiver Bangladesh; several flights delayed; diverted

A Bangladesh hospital has suspended plans to give donated breast milk to babies after a backlash by Muslim clerics who said the scheme violated Islamic law.&nbsp;

The programme aimed to feed up to 500 orphans and infants of working mothers in the Muslim-majority country, which has high rates of child malnutrition and stunted growth.

Bangladesh's top Islamic leadership has not yet made a ruling on the milk bank, but it was halted after critics said the plan could lead to breaches of Sharia law if two babies drank milk from the same mother and later married.

"Their entire marriage and lineage would become illegal," said Gazi Ataur Rahman, a spokesman of the influential Islami Andolan Bangladesh political party.&nbsp;

Another Islamist, Ahmed Abdul Kaiyum, said Sharia law did not allow for milk banks.

"It would go against Islam," he said, suggesting that the authorities should have discussed this "very sensitive issue" beforehand with clerics.

Strict safeguards

Prominent Islamic cleric Fariduddin Masoud struck a conciliatory note, however, saying authorities should find out if and how Muslim majority nations such as Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Malaysia have set up human milk banks.

"We should see how they have solved the issue. We should sit together to find a solution,” he said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The milk bank in Dhaka was slated to start this month, but project co-ordinator Mojibur Rahman said it had been delayed indefinitely because of the "widespread criticism".

He added that the hospital had set up strict safeguards for the scheme.

"We collect and preserve milk separately and rigorously record (donor) identities," he told AFP on Monday, a day after the milk bank's suspension was announced.

Top child specialists had backed the milk bank, saying it was needed to help save child lives as well as aid their growth.

"Human milk banks are essential for orphans and critically ill children, especially to save the lives of the babies who are being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit and whose mothers are not available," said Mahbubul Haque, a top doctor at Dhaka's main children's hospital.

"Milk banks are established in major hospitals in the West. We should set up more such banks in all our top hospitals for children," he told AFP.

Some 90 per cent of Bangladesh's 168 million people are Muslim.&nbsp;

A Bangladesh hospital has suspended plans to give donated breast milk to babies after a backlash by Muslim clerics who said the scheme violated Islamic law. The programme aimed to feed up to 500 orphans and infants of working mothers in the Muslim-majority country, which has high rates of child malnutrition and stunted growth.

A Bangladesh hospital has suspended plans to give donated breast milk to babies after a backlash by Muslim clerics who said the scheme violated Islamic law. The programme aimed to feed up to 500 orphans and infants of working mothers in the Muslim-majority country, which has high rates of child malnutrition and stunted growth. Bangladesh's top Islamic leadership has not yet made a ruling on the milk bank, but it was halted after critics said the plan could lead to breaches of Sharia law if two babies drank milk from the same mother and later married. "Their entire marriage and lineage would become illegal," said Gazi Ataur Rahman, a spokesman of the influential Islami Andolan Bangladesh political party. Another Islamist, Ahmed Abdul Kaiyum, said Sharia law did not allow for milk banks. "It would go against Islam," he said, suggesting that the authorities should have discussed this "very sensitive issue" beforehand with clerics. Strict safeguards Prominent Islamic cleric Fariduddin Masoud struck a conciliatory note, however, saying authorities should find out if and how Muslim majority nations such as Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Malaysia have set up human milk banks. "We should see how they have solved the issue. We should sit together to find a solution,” he said. The milk bank in Dhaka was slated to start this month, but project co-ordinator Mojibur Rahman said it had been delayed indefinitely because of the "widespread criticism". He added that the hospital had set up strict safeguards for the scheme. "We collect and preserve milk separately and rigorously record (donor) identities," he told AFP on Monday, a day after the milk bank's suspension was announced. Top child specialists had backed the milk bank, saying it was needed to help save child lives as well as aid their growth. "Human milk banks are essential for orphans and critically ill children, especially to save the lives of the babies who are being treated at the hospital's intensive care unit and whose mothers are not available," said Mahbubul Haque, a top doctor at Dhaka's main children's hospital. "Milk banks are established in major hospitals in the West. We should set up more such banks in all our top hospitals for children," he told AFP. Some 90 per cent of Bangladesh's 168 million people are Muslim.

Bangladesh halts breast milk scheme after Islamist backlash

At least 50 people have died in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-confidence-in-india-bangladesh-ties-says-both-working-shoulder-to-shoulder-269579">Bangladesh</a> as cold weather continues to sweep across the country, heath officials said.

The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius early on Sunday in Tetulia, a border town in Bangladesh's north, the weather office said.

At least 17 people died of acute respiratory infection and 33 from diarrhoea and other diseases across Bangladesh from November&nbsp;1 to December&nbsp;28, said Ayesha Akhter, a senior official of the government’s health directorate.

Hospitals have been crowded with people suffering from cold-related illnesses, such as influenza, dehydration and pneumonia, said Ayesha Akhter, she said.

Those on low incomes, particularly labourers, are the worst affected by the cold weather because they lack clothes while many others, especially children and the elderly people, are prone to diseases such as pneumonia, Akhter said.

The weather office said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-continues-to-shiver-in-cold-wave-270806">cold snap</a>, accompanied by chilly winds and dense fog, week was likely to continue for few more days.

Thick fog forced authorities to divert several flights and delay others, aviation officials said.

At least 50 people have died in Bangladesh as cold weather continues to sweep across the country, heath officials said. The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.

At least 50 people have died in Bangladesh as cold weather continues to sweep across the country, heath officials said. The country's lowest temperature this year was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius early on Sunday in Tetulia, a border town in Bangladesh's north, the weather office said. At least 17 people died of acute respiratory infection and 33 from diarrhoea and other diseases across Bangladesh from November 1 to December 28, said Ayesha Akhter, a senior official of the government’s health directorate. Hospitals have been crowded with people suffering from cold-related illnesses, such as influenza, dehydration and pneumonia, said Ayesha Akhter, she said. Those on low incomes, particularly labourers, are the worst affected by the cold weather because they lack clothes while many others, especially children and the elderly people, are prone to diseases such as pneumonia, Akhter said. The weather office said the cold snap, accompanied by chilly winds and dense fog, week was likely to continue for few more days. Thick fog forced authorities to divert several flights and delay others, aviation officials said.

Cold snap kills 50 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is ready to play<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankas-malinga-to-retire-after-twenty20-world-cup-205008"> Twenty20</a> Internationals in Pakistan next month but the test series must take place in a neutral venue, the chief executive of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-shahadat-hossain-for-five-years-over-physical-assault-263170">Bangladesh Cricket Board</a> (BCB), Nizamuddin Chowdhury, said.

Test cricket returned to Pakistan after a decade with a two-test series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Rawalpindi and Karachi hosted Pakistan's first tests on home soil since a militant attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore in 2009.

Enthused by the smooth staging of the series,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-board-removed-sarfaraz-ahmed-captain-256661"> Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) has announced its team would no more play their 'home' matches abroad as has been the practice with test teams shunning the country citing safety concerns.

PCB's assertion notwithstanding, Bangladesh remains wary of touring Pakistan for a lengthy period, Chowdhury told the Daily Star newspaper.

"We stand firm on our ground. We only want to play T20Is in Pakistan," the BCB CEO was quoted as saying.

"The stakeholders related to the series do not want us to play longer-version cricket in Pakistan," Nizamuddin said.

Bangladesh is expected to play three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">Twenty20 Internationals</a> in Lahore before a two-test series against Pakistan who completed a 1-0 series victory against Sri Lanka on Monday.

"Actually, we have no other option here. We can play the T20Is but if we are to play tests then it should be in a neutral venue," Nizamuddin added.

PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has hinted raising the matter with the governing International Cricket Council should Bangladesh refuse to play the tests in Pakistan.

"No one should be under any misapprehension as to where Pakistan's home Tests will take place," Mani told reporters on Monday.

"All of Pakistan's matches, against Bangladesh or anyone else, will take place in Pakistan.

"I still hope the BCB will reflect on the matter and accept there is no reason for them not to visit Pakistan."

Bangladesh is ready to play Twenty20 Internationals in Pakistan next month but the test series must take place in a neutral venue, the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nizamuddin Chowdhury, said.

Bangladesh is ready to play Twenty20 Internationals in Pakistan next month but the test series must take place in a neutral venue, the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nizamuddin Chowdhury, said. Test cricket returned to Pakistan after a decade with a two-test series against Sri Lanka earlier this month. Rawalpindi and Karachi hosted Pakistan's first tests on home soil since a militant attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore in 2009. Enthused by the smooth staging of the series, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its team would no more play their 'home' matches abroad as has been the practice with test teams shunning the country citing safety concerns. PCB's assertion notwithstanding, Bangladesh remains wary of touring Pakistan for a lengthy period, Chowdhury told the Daily Star newspaper. "We stand firm on our ground. We only want to play T20Is in Pakistan," the BCB CEO was quoted as saying. "The stakeholders related to the series do not want us to play longer-version cricket in Pakistan," Nizamuddin said. Bangladesh is expected to play three Twenty20 Internationals in Lahore before a two-test series against Pakistan who completed a 1-0 series victory against Sri Lanka on Monday. "Actually, we have no other option here. We can play the T20Is but if we are to play tests then it should be in a neutral venue," Nizamuddin added. PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has hinted raising the matter with the governing International Cricket Council should Bangladesh refuse to play the tests in Pakistan. "No one should be under any misapprehension as to where Pakistan's home Tests will take place," Mani told reporters on Monday. "All of Pakistan's matches, against Bangladesh or anyone else, will take place in Pakistan. "I still hope the BCB will reflect on the matter and accept there is no reason for them not to visit Pakistan."

Cricket: Bangladesh insist on neutral venue for Pakistan tests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-strong-ties-with-islamic-countries-says-relations-have-strengthened-269577">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues.&nbsp;

While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. "

The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014.

India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh".

In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge".

"The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said.

Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. " The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014. India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh". In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge". "The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said. Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh ties, says both working shoulder-to-shoulder

A delegation of Rohingya refugees on Thursday (December 19) refused to accept a proposal made by Myanmar officials to repatriate them to Myanmar, citing that their demands have not been met.

Rohingya refugees reject Myanmar officials' proposal to return home

A delegation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-aung-san-suu-kyi-is-in-the-hague-defending-myanmar-against-allegations-of-genocide-267828">Myanmar</a> officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them.

Myanmar says it has been ready to accept back the refugees since January last year and has built camps near the border to receive them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-seizes-boat-carrying-173-rohingya-muslims-military-spokesman-268720">Rohingya</a> leaders say they want Myanmar to recognise them as an ethnic group with the right to Myanmar citizenship before they return. Rohingya representatives said no progress had been made at Wednesday's talks.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who remain inside Myanmar are mostly denied citizenship and live in conditions Amnesty International has likened to apartheid, confined to camps and villages and unable to travel freely.

Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group. Many in the Buddhist-majority country call the Rohingya "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-has-softened-stance-following-icj-hearing-bangladesh-foreign-minister-268492">Bengalis</a>", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-warns-genocide-case-could-reignite-rohingya-crisis-268065">Gambia</a> accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm.

A delegation of Myanmar officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them.

A delegation of Myanmar officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them. Myanmar says it has been ready to accept back the refugees since January last year and has built camps near the border to receive them. Rohingya leaders say they want Myanmar to recognise them as an ethnic group with the right to Myanmar citizenship before they return. Rohingya representatives said no progress had been made at Wednesday's talks. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who remain inside Myanmar are mostly denied citizenship and live in conditions Amnesty International has likened to apartheid, confined to camps and villages and unable to travel freely. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group. Many in the Buddhist-majority country call the Rohingya "Bengalis", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh. Gambia accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm.

'We are ready to go back': Rohingya refugees meet with Myanmar delegates

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Hasina </a>on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful.

"The collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state. But we will not allow their conspiracies to be successful," Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina as saying while speaking at a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, organised by Awami League.

The prime minister who is also the President of Awami League recalled that Bangladesh fought and won the Liberation War against Pakistan, and said, "Our goal was that we will remain above Pakistan anyhow on all sides including economic, social, and cultural fronts. We are in a better position than everybody else. We must keep up this success."&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful. "The collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state. But we will not allow their conspiracies to be successful," Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina as saying while speaking at a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, organised by Awami League. The prime minister who is also the President of Awami League recalled that Bangladesh fought and won the Liberation War against Pakistan, and said, "Our goal was that we will remain above Pakistan anyhow on all sides including economic, social, and cultural fronts. We are in a better position than everybody else. We must keep up this success."

Conspiracies of Pakistani lovers will not succeed, says Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

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