Rookie swing bowler Abu Jayed earned a spot in Bangladesh's World Cup squad while batsman Mosaddek Hossain also made the cut in their 15-man squad for the showpiece tournament in England and Wales.

Jayed, who has played only five tests and three Twenty20 internationals, was picked following his performances in the two-test series in New Zealand where he finished as the visitors' leading wicket-taker.

Hossain, a middle-order batsman who can bowl off-spin, last played for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in September. He was not in the squad when they played Zimbabwe, West Indies and New Zealand across formats.

Three recovering players -- left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, all-rounder Mahmudullah and paceman Rubel Hossain -- were also named in the squad.

Mahmudullah recently started training after suffering a shoulder injury while Mustafizur has not fully recovered from an ankle problem. Rubel is recovering from a side strain.

All 10 participating teams will have to submit their 15-member squads by April 23, while injury replacements can be named until May 23.

Bangladesh begin their campaign against South Africa at the Oval in London on June 2.

Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (vice captain), Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahaman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed

Rookie swing bowler Abu Jayed earned a spot in Bangladesh's World Cup squad while batsman Mosaddek Hossain also made the cut in their 15-man squad for the showpiece tournament in England and Wales.

Rookie swing bowler Abu Jayed earned a spot in Bangladesh's World Cup squad while batsman Mosaddek Hossain also made the cut in their 15-man squad for the showpiece tournament in England and Wales. Jayed, who has played only five tests and three Twenty20 internationals, was picked following his performances in the two-test series in New Zealand where he finished as the visitors' leading wicket-taker. Hossain, a middle-order batsman who can bowl off-spin, last played for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in September. He was not in the squad when they played Zimbabwe, West Indies and New Zealand across formats. Three recovering players -- left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, all-rounder Mahmudullah and paceman Rubel Hossain -- were also named in the squad. Mahmudullah recently started training after suffering a shoulder injury while Mustafizur has not fully recovered from an ankle problem. Rubel is recovering from a side strain. All 10 participating teams will have to submit their 15-member squads by April 23, while injury replacements can be named until May 23. Bangladesh begin their campaign against South Africa at the Oval in London on June 2. Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (vice captain), Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahaman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed

Uncapped Abu Jayed in Bangladesh's World Cup squad, Mosaddek Hossain back

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday.

Ahmed participated in a roadshow, accompanied by Bengali Tollywood actors Ankush and Payal from Karandighi to Islampur through the Bengal-to-Bengal road.

After road show, Ahmed took the stage for Trinamool Congress’ election campaign and said, “All should vote for the Trinamool Congress. All should vote for didi.”

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janta Party has moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.

“This is illegal. This is a violation of the MCC. This proves Trinamool Congress’ love for Bangladeshis. They want to consolidate minority votes in this constituency by inviting Bangladeshi actors to campaign for them. We have moved Election Commission demanding action against the Trinamool Congress,” said BJP leader Pratap Banerjee.

On the other hand, the Election Commission communicated to this correspondent that they have received a complaint and are looking into it.

However, Trinamool Congress has maintained that there was nothing wrong in roping in the Bangladeshi actor for the campaign.&nbsp;

“Our contribution for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War has been immense. And I do not feel that we have done anything wrong by inviting Ferdous to campaign for us here. We will not do anything that is anti-national, illegal or violates the Model Code of Conduct. If the commission takes action against us, they must also take action against BJP candidates and leaders flashing arms and swords on Ramnavami during the election period,” said former Trinamool Congress minister Madan Mitra.

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday.

In a major controversy, Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was seen campaigning in favour of the Trinamool Congress candidate from Raiganj constituency Kanhaiyalal Agarwal on Sunday. Ahmed participated in a roadshow, accompanied by Bengali Tollywood actors Ankush and Payal from Karandighi to Islampur through the Bengal-to-Bengal road. After road show, Ahmed took the stage for Trinamool Congress’ election campaign and said, “All should vote for the Trinamool Congress. All should vote for didi.” Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janta Party has moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed. “This is illegal. This is a violation of the MCC. This proves Trinamool Congress’ love for Bangladeshis. They want to consolidate minority votes in this constituency by inviting Bangladeshi actors to campaign for them. We have moved Election Commission demanding action against the Trinamool Congress,” said BJP leader Pratap Banerjee. On the other hand, the Election Commission communicated to this correspondent that they have received a complaint and are looking into it. However, Trinamool Congress has maintained that there was nothing wrong in roping in the Bangladeshi actor for the campaign. “Our contribution for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War has been immense. And I do not feel that we have done anything wrong by inviting Ferdous to campaign for us here. We will not do anything that is anti-national, illegal or violates the Model Code of Conduct. If the commission takes action against us, they must also take action against BJP candidates and leaders flashing arms and swords on Ramnavami during the election period,” said former Trinamool Congress minister Madan Mitra.

Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigns for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal; BJP alleges code violation

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year.

A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced.

The festival date is set according to the Bengali calendar and is on the first day of the first month of the year.

Across the border in various parts of India, the day is marked in some areas as a harvest festival.

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year. A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced.

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year. A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced. The festival date is set according to the Bengali calendar and is on the first day of the first month of the year. Across the border in various parts of India, the day is marked in some areas as a harvest festival.

Bangladesh marks the start of Bengali New Year

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-fears-lingering-rohingya-crisis-may-trigger-radicalism-196630">Bangladesh </a>on Tuesday said it had sought help from the United States in pressuring the government of Myanmar into offering safeguards for the return of the thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled the country since Aug. 2017.

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen sought assistance from the US during a meeting on Monday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, the government of Bangladesh said in a statement released on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Momen discussed the importance of the "repatriation of the Rohingyas and creation of credible international pressure on Myanmar in that respect," the statement said.

According to the statement, Pompeo reiterated that the US "would stand beside Bangladesh (both politically and financially) in finding a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis."

"It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and military to create a conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home," he added.

Momen told Pompeo about Dhaka's plans to transfer a group of Rohingyas to the uninhabited Bhashanchar island in the Bay of Bengal, which has been prepared to host 100,000 refugees from the overcrowded camps in the Cox's Bazar district in southeastern Bangladesh.

More than 738,000 Rohingya refugees had arrived in the camps since the beginning of the crisis on Aug. 25, 2017, following a wave of violence and persecution against the minority group that has been described by the United Nations as attempted ethnic cleansing.

Most of the refugees of the majority-Muslim community live in harsh conditions in the Kutupalong camp – located close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar – which has become the biggest refugee camp in the world.

Although Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement on Nov. 23, 2017, to begin returning Rohingyas, until now the repatriation attempts have failed due to the lack of conditions necessary for a safe and voluntary return of the refugees.

Organizations working to protect civil rights of the Rohingyas informed last week that 20 civilians were killed and 50 were injured in an airstrike carried out by the armed forces in the state of Rakhine (western Myanmar).

Bangladesh on Tuesday said it had sought help from the United States in pressuring the government of Myanmar into offering safeguards for the return of the thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled the country since Aug.

Bangladesh on Tuesday said it had sought help from the United States in pressuring the government of Myanmar into offering safeguards for the return of the thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled the country since Aug. 2017. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen sought assistance from the US during a meeting on Monday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, the government of Bangladesh said in a statement released on Tuesday. During the meeting, Momen discussed the importance of the "repatriation of the Rohingyas and creation of credible international pressure on Myanmar in that respect," the statement said. According to the statement, Pompeo reiterated that the US "would stand beside Bangladesh (both politically and financially) in finding a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis." "It is the responsibility of the Myanmar government and military to create a conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home," he added. Momen told Pompeo about Dhaka's plans to transfer a group of Rohingyas to the uninhabited Bhashanchar island in the Bay of Bengal, which has been prepared to host 100,000 refugees from the overcrowded camps in the Cox's Bazar district in southeastern Bangladesh. More than 738,000 Rohingya refugees had arrived in the camps since the beginning of the crisis on Aug. 25, 2017, following a wave of violence and persecution against the minority group that has been described by the United Nations as attempted ethnic cleansing. Most of the refugees of the majority-Muslim community live in harsh conditions in the Kutupalong camp – located close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar – which has become the biggest refugee camp in the world. Although Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement on Nov. 23, 2017, to begin returning Rohingyas, until now the repatriation attempts have failed due to the lack of conditions necessary for a safe and voluntary return of the refugees. Organizations working to protect civil rights of the Rohingyas informed last week that 20 civilians were killed and 50 were injured in an airstrike carried out by the armed forces in the state of Rakhine (western Myanmar).

Bangladesh seeks US help for Rohingyas' return to Myanmar

Forty-one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-115-rohingya-seeking-to-reach-malaysia-208264&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiszsyzqsDhAhUU73MBHcBwCBoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GW3JdUELvJKudTv8DMoK6">Rohingya </a>were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus.

Many Rohingya have been seeking in recent weeks to leave by sea from<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joint-india-myanmar-operation-target-rohingya-insurgent-group-and-naga-terror-group-203499&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiszsyzqsDhAhUU73MBHcBwCBoQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1eyET3M-kRgCaJ2zcp_EOa"> Bangladesh</a>, where they live in squalid refugee camps after fleeing their mostly Buddhist homeland Myanmar before the monsoon season starts in earnest.

Security forces have prevented hundreds from departing for Malaysia with people smugglers on fishing boats. But last month 34 Rohingya arrived in the northern Malaysian state of Perlis, the first group believed to have landed in the country in almost year.

The latest batch, which consisted entirely of men, were found Monday on the same beach as the previous boatload, local police chief<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-rohingya-found-on-malaysian-beach-officials-200586&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi16NDLqsDhAhVN7HMBHaWkBJkQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1w1ZjsfcVR1rMZu8717lNP"> Noor Mushar Mohamad</a> told AFP.

"This is definitely the work of human smuggling syndicates working with local syndicates," he said.

"I fear there could be more Rohingya arrivals unless maritime enforcement agencies step up patrols urgently."

Noor Mushar said initial investigations indicated they could have travelled in a large boat before being transferred to smaller craft by local criminal gangs and ferried ashore. They have been handed over to immigration authorities, he said.

It was not clear whether they had departed from Bangladesh or Myanmar, or when they had arrived.&nbsp;

About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a brutal military clampdown in their home country in August 2017, joining hundreds of thousands already living in crowded camps.

The traditional route to Malaysia is by boat from Myanmar or Bangladesh. Refugees arrive either in Thailand and head overland to Malaysia or arrive directly in Malaysia.

But arrivals have fallen markedly since 2015 when Thailand launched a crackdown, which disrupted the lucrative trade and led to smugglers abandoning huge numbers of refugees at sea.

Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a favourite destination for Rohingya, where they are a source of labour in low-paying industries such as agriculture and construction.

Forty-one Rohingya were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus.

Forty-one Rohingya were found on a Malaysian beach Monday, police said, the second group of the Muslim minority to arrive in the country within weeks, stoking fears of a looming exodus. Many Rohingya have been seeking in recent weeks to leave by sea from Bangladesh, where they live in squalid refugee camps after fleeing their mostly Buddhist homeland Myanmar before the monsoon season starts in earnest. Security forces have prevented hundreds from departing for Malaysia with people smugglers on fishing boats. But last month 34 Rohingya arrived in the northern Malaysian state of Perlis, the first group believed to have landed in the country in almost year. The latest batch, which consisted entirely of men, were found Monday on the same beach as the previous boatload, local police chief Noor Mushar Mohamad told AFP. "This is definitely the work of human smuggling syndicates working with local syndicates," he said. "I fear there could be more Rohingya arrivals unless maritime enforcement agencies step up patrols urgently." Noor Mushar said initial investigations indicated they could have travelled in a large boat before being transferred to smaller craft by local criminal gangs and ferried ashore. They have been handed over to immigration authorities, he said. It was not clear whether they had departed from Bangladesh or Myanmar, or when they had arrived. About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh following a brutal military clampdown in their home country in August 2017, joining hundreds of thousands already living in crowded camps. The traditional route to Malaysia is by boat from Myanmar or Bangladesh. Refugees arrive either in Thailand and head overland to Malaysia or arrive directly in Malaysia. But arrivals have fallen markedly since 2015 when Thailand launched a crackdown, which disrupted the lucrative trade and led to smugglers abandoning huge numbers of refugees at sea. Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a favourite destination for Rohingya, where they are a source of labour in low-paying industries such as agriculture and construction.

Second group of Rohingya arrive in Malaysia within weeks

Bangladesh on Sunday deployed heavily-armed border guards to an island near its southern border with Myanmar for the first time in 20 years, officials said.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) distributed images showing dozens of troops carrying assault rifles disembarking at Saint Martin's island, a small island in the Bay of Bengal that has caused diplomatic tensions between the neighbours.

The BGB said the troop deployment was part of "regular activities" to ensure border protection and curb drug trafficking.

But the force's lieutenant colonel, Sarker Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, told AFP it was the first time since 1997 their men had landed there.

"After more than 20 years we felt we should deploy," he said.

The deployment comes just two months after Bangladesh's foreign ministry summoned Myanmar's ambassador in Dhaka to protest the inclusion of Saint Martin inside their territory in some maps printed inside the Southeast Asian country.

He was also summoned in October last year after a Myanmar government website depicted the island as within Myanmar's territory.

Ties between the neighbours have soured since the Myanmar military launched a crackdown on the Rohingya minority in Rakhine, a troubled western state bordering Bangladesh.

The brutal operation has forced some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh since August 2017, transforming parts near the border into the world's largest refugee camp.

Muslim-majority Bangladesh has accused Myanmar of perpetrating genocide against the Rohingya, who share some cultural and linguistic similarities with Bangladeshis in the country's southeast.

Bangladesh on Sunday deployed heavily-armed border guards to an island near its southern border with Myanmar for the first time in 20 years, officials said. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) distributed images showing dozens of troops carrying assault rifles disembarking at Saint Martin's island, a small island in the Bay of Bengal that has caused diplomatic tensions between the neighbours.

Bangladesh on Sunday deployed heavily-armed border guards to an island near its southern border with Myanmar for the first time in 20 years, officials said. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) distributed images showing dozens of troops carrying assault rifles disembarking at Saint Martin's island, a small island in the Bay of Bengal that has caused diplomatic tensions between the neighbours. The BGB said the troop deployment was part of "regular activities" to ensure border protection and curb drug trafficking. But the force's lieutenant colonel, Sarker Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, told AFP it was the first time since 1997 their men had landed there. "After more than 20 years we felt we should deploy," he said. The deployment comes just two months after Bangladesh's foreign ministry summoned Myanmar's ambassador in Dhaka to protest the inclusion of Saint Martin inside their territory in some maps printed inside the Southeast Asian country. He was also summoned in October last year after a Myanmar government website depicted the island as within Myanmar's territory. Ties between the neighbours have soured since the Myanmar military launched a crackdown on the Rohingya minority in Rakhine, a troubled western state bordering Bangladesh. The brutal operation has forced some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh since August 2017, transforming parts near the border into the world's largest refugee camp. Muslim-majority Bangladesh has accused Myanmar of perpetrating genocide against the Rohingya, who share some cultural and linguistic similarities with Bangladeshis in the country's southeast.

Bangladesh deploys border guards to island near Myanmar

Villagers and a lawmaker in Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine state said on Thursday that a military helicopter attacked a group of Rohingya Muslims gathering bamboo, killing five and wounding 13, but a military spokesman declined to comment.

Major-General Tun Tun Nyi said the army would release "true news" about the alleged incident in time.

Myanmar's western Rakhine state came to global attention in 2017, when the army drove about 730,000 ethnic Rohingya across the border into Bangladesh following attacks by Rohingya insurgents on police posts.

The United Nations has accused the army of cracking down on the Muslim minority with "genocidal intent".

More recently, the military has been fighting another armed group, the Arakan Army, which recruits mostly from the ethnic Rakhine Buddhist population.

The latest incident occurred in a valley in Buthidaung township, near a village that was home to Rohingya Muslim families.

"A military airstrike killed five people, including one of our villagers, at around 4 pm yesterday," Zaw Kir Ahmed, a community leader from Kin Taung village told Reuters by telephone.

"People in the village don’t dare to go out and are frightened," he added.

Many villages around Buthidaung were razed during the 2017 campaign against Rohingya, though the village that was home to the casualties from Wednesday's attack was spared at that time.

Myanmar’s leaders have vowed to crush all the rebels fighting for autonomy in Rakhine State, an area long scarred by complex ethnic divisions, and authorities have blocked most aid agencies' access to the area, raising fears of more civilian suffering.

Stephan Sakalian, head of delegation in Myanmar at the International Committee of the Red Cross, said teams from the organization had visited Buthidaung Hospital where 13 people were being treated for wounds, some of them in "urgent need of surgery".

"ICRC and Myanmar Red Cross teams are following the situation very closely and offered our services in case of need, including medical supplies or transfer to the Sittwe hospital, as we did two weeks ago with 5 wounded civilians," he said.

Rashid Ahmed, a labourer who spoke by telephone to Reuters, said his elder brother, uncle and nephew had been shot while they were working at Sai Din valley.

"A helicopter attacked them while they were working there, cutting and collecting bamboo," he said. Two other villagers said a helicopter had attacked the group.

Some of the wounded were brought to Buthidaung town, but several died before they reached the hospital, said Maung Kyaw Zan, a lawmaker for the township, adding that five bodies had been recovered.

"When I talked to the wounded people they said the shooting came from the air, there were no clashes on the ground," the lawmaker said.

More than 17,000 people have been displaced by the violence in Rakhine since December, the US&nbsp;embassy said in a statement on Tuesday that urged authorities to allow humanitarian relief for those affected.

"The United States is deeply concerned about the harm to civilians of the ongoing conflict in Rakhine and Chin States between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military," it said.

"We call on all parties to renew their efforts to end the fighting and work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Villagers and a lawmaker in Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine state said on Thursday that a military helicopter attacked a group of Rohingya Muslims gathering bamboo, killing five and wounding 13, but a military spokesman declined to comment.

Villagers and a lawmaker in Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine state said on Thursday that a military helicopter attacked a group of Rohingya Muslims gathering bamboo, killing five and wounding 13, but a military spokesman declined to comment. Major-General Tun Tun Nyi said the army would release "true news" about the alleged incident in time. Myanmar's western Rakhine state came to global attention in 2017, when the army drove about 730,000 ethnic Rohingya across the border into Bangladesh following attacks by Rohingya insurgents on police posts. The United Nations has accused the army of cracking down on the Muslim minority with "genocidal intent". More recently, the military has been fighting another armed group, the Arakan Army, which recruits mostly from the ethnic Rakhine Buddhist population. The latest incident occurred in a valley in Buthidaung township, near a village that was home to Rohingya Muslim families. "A military airstrike killed five people, including one of our villagers, at around 4 pm yesterday," Zaw Kir Ahmed, a community leader from Kin Taung village told Reuters by telephone. "People in the village don’t dare to go out and are frightened," he added. Many villages around Buthidaung were razed during the 2017 campaign against Rohingya, though the village that was home to the casualties from Wednesday's attack was spared at that time. Myanmar’s leaders have vowed to crush all the rebels fighting for autonomy in Rakhine State, an area long scarred by complex ethnic divisions, and authorities have blocked most aid agencies' access to the area, raising fears of more civilian suffering. Stephan Sakalian, head of delegation in Myanmar at the International Committee of the Red Cross, said teams from the organization had visited Buthidaung Hospital where 13 people were being treated for wounds, some of them in "urgent need of surgery". "ICRC and Myanmar Red Cross teams are following the situation very closely and offered our services in case of need, including medical supplies or transfer to the Sittwe hospital, as we did two weeks ago with 5 wounded civilians," he said. Rashid Ahmed, a labourer who spoke by telephone to Reuters, said his elder brother, uncle and nephew had been shot while they were working at Sai Din valley. "A helicopter attacked them while they were working there, cutting and collecting bamboo," he said. Two other villagers said a helicopter had attacked the group. Some of the wounded were brought to Buthidaung town, but several died before they reached the hospital, said Maung Kyaw Zan, a lawmaker for the township, adding that five bodies had been recovered. "When I talked to the wounded people they said the shooting came from the air, there were no clashes on the ground," the lawmaker said. More than 17,000 people have been displaced by the violence in Rakhine since December, the US embassy said in a statement on Tuesday that urged authorities to allow humanitarian relief for those affected. "The United States is deeply concerned about the harm to civilians of the ongoing conflict in Rakhine and Chin States between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military," it said. "We call on all parties to renew their efforts to end the fighting and work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Myanmar villagers, lawmaker say 'helicopter attack' kills five Rohingya, wounds 13

In December 2016, China and Bangladesh entered into agreements to expand their relationship under the grandiose Chinese geopolitical economic corridor the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-italy-against-chinas-obor-initiative-202369">OBOR</a> (One Belt One Road) program also called the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) which aims to connect Asian nations through Chinese sponsored infrastructure projects, billed by China watchers as a 21st century `Silk Road`.One of the projects that China took particular interest in Bangladesh was the expansion and development of the Payra deep-sea port in Bangladesh. Two Chinese firms China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and China State Construction Engineering (CSCEC) inked deals worth $600 Million for developing the port`s main infrastructure and riparian aspects of the port which includes services for housing, healthcare education etc. Officials in Dhaka that spoke to ANI revealed that this ramped up investment strategy by China was a smokescreen to obfuscate their real intentions, which was to establish sovereign control over a crucial Bangladeshi port.

A similar strategy was employed by China in Sri Lanka during the development of the<a href="https://www.lankanewspapers.com/2017/08/09/everything-to-know-about-the-hambantota-port-lease/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq6aohOKz4QIVizgrCh3ZpgyoEAAYASAAEgIbevD_BwE"> Hambantota port</a>. Under the aegis of the `OBOR` program, China extended billions of dollars of credit to Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s government to undertake infrastructure development projects, among which the development of the strategic Hambantota port received top priority. However, the debt burden on Sri Lanka continued to balloon and since these so-called `soft loans` had to be repaid, Sri Lanka ceased sovereign control of the port to China in December 2017 under a 99-year lease.

In Dhaka, this modus operandi of China has not been forgotten and officials are wary that with the two Chinese state-sponsored companies, CHEC and CSCEC, getting a foot in the door it will not be a long time before China starts asserting more control over the Payra port. China`s control of the Hambantota port was preceded by its de facto control of the port of Gwadar in Pakistan. Billed as a " Port-Park-City", Gwadar port has been heralded as one of the successes of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-china-and-not-pakistan-stands-to-gain-from-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-29219"> CPEC</a> (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) project which comes under China`s BRI geopolitical project. Similar operating procedures of "debt trap diplomacy" by extending Billions of Dollars in soft loans, setting up Chinese enclaves in a Pakistani city and Chinese private security firms operating in a grey legal area have ensured that Gwadar`s real masters sit in Beijing not Islamabad. Payra shipping port is a crucial strategic port for Bangladesh situated in Patuakhali on the banks of the Bay of Bengal.

Chinese interests in this port represent a natural geopolitical progression to complete a `necklace` of Chinese maritime influence which extends to Gwadar port in Pakistan, giving access to the Arabian Sea, Hambantota in Sri Lanka opening up the Indian Ocean for Chinese access and possibly a Bay of Bengal deep-sea port in Payra.On April 27th, member countries of the Belt and Road forum will meet in Beijing to take stock of the projects undertaken under this program. ANI saw the note that the member countries have received prior to this multilateral meet. One point reads, " We strive to contribute to the industrialization of developing countries, improvement of people`s lives and their integration into the global value chain."In reality, those nations that have been at the receiving end of China`s conditional largesse attest to interference in the social fabric of their population.

It has widely been reported that China has indirectly interfered in election campaigns of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan among other nations where BRI projects are ongoing. Large scale deployment of Chinese workers in Myanmar`s Letpadaung Copper mine have resulted in violent clashes and political instability in the region. Officials in Dhaka warn that there are well-documented precedents wherein Chinese investments come with veiled riders, which are activated once the recipient state falters on its financial liabilities. The Payra port could be heading in that fatal direction.

In December 2016, China and Bangladesh entered into agreements to expand their relationship under the grandiose Chinese geopolitical economic corridor the OBOR (One Belt One Road) program also called the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) which aims to connect Asian nations through Chinese sponsored infrastructure projects, billed by China watchers as a 21st century `Silk Road`.

In December 2016, China and Bangladesh entered into agreements to expand their relationship under the grandiose Chinese geopolitical economic corridor the OBOR (One Belt One Road) program also called the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) which aims to connect Asian nations through Chinese sponsored infrastructure projects, billed by China watchers as a 21st century `Silk Road`.One of the projects that China took particular interest in Bangladesh was the expansion and development of the Payra deep-sea port in Bangladesh. Two Chinese firms China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and China State Construction Engineering (CSCEC) inked deals worth $600 Million for developing the port`s main infrastructure and riparian aspects of the port which includes services for housing, healthcare education etc. Officials in Dhaka that spoke to ANI revealed that this ramped up investment strategy by China was a smokescreen to obfuscate their real intentions, which was to establish sovereign control over a crucial Bangladeshi port. A similar strategy was employed by China in Sri Lanka during the development of the Hambantota port. Under the aegis of the `OBOR` program, China extended billions of dollars of credit to Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa`s government to undertake infrastructure development projects, among which the development of the strategic Hambantota port received top priority. However, the debt burden on Sri Lanka continued to balloon and since these so-called `soft loans` had to be repaid, Sri Lanka ceased sovereign control of the port to China in December 2017 under a 99-year lease. In Dhaka, this modus operandi of China has not been forgotten and officials are wary that with the two Chinese state-sponsored companies, CHEC and CSCEC, getting a foot in the door it will not be a long time before China starts asserting more control over the Payra port. China`s control of the Hambantota port was preceded by its de facto control of the port of Gwadar in Pakistan. Billed as a " Port-Park-City", Gwadar port has been heralded as one of the successes of the CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) project which comes under China`s BRI geopolitical project. Similar operating procedures of "debt trap diplomacy" by extending Billions of Dollars in soft loans, setting up Chinese enclaves in a Pakistani city and Chinese private security firms operating in a grey legal area have ensured that Gwadar`s real masters sit in Beijing not Islamabad. Payra shipping port is a crucial strategic port for Bangladesh situated in Patuakhali on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. Chinese interests in this port represent a natural geopolitical progression to complete a `necklace` of Chinese maritime influence which extends to Gwadar port in Pakistan, giving access to the Arabian Sea, Hambantota in Sri Lanka opening up the Indian Ocean for Chinese access and possibly a Bay of Bengal deep-sea port in Payra.On April 27th, member countries of the Belt and Road forum will meet in Beijing to take stock of the projects undertaken under this program. ANI saw the note that the member countries have received prior to this multilateral meet. One point reads, " We strive to contribute to the industrialization of developing countries, improvement of people`s lives and their integration into the global value chain."In reality, those nations that have been at the receiving end of China`s conditional largesse attest to interference in the social fabric of their population. It has widely been reported that China has indirectly interfered in election campaigns of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan among other nations where BRI projects are ongoing. Large scale deployment of Chinese workers in Myanmar`s Letpadaung Copper mine have resulted in violent clashes and political instability in the region. Officials in Dhaka warn that there are well-documented precedents wherein Chinese investments come with veiled riders, which are activated once the recipient state falters on its financial liabilities. The Payra port could be heading in that fatal direction.

Bangladesh's Payra shipping port could fall into Chinese hands

A senior leader of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was among two persons arrested in connection with a devastating fire in a high-rise building that killed 26 people in Dhaka last week, police said on Sunday.&nbsp;

At least 26 people were killed and 50 others were injured when the blaze broke out in the 23-floor office block, F R Tower in Dhaka's Banani area, on Thursday.

A case was registered in Benani police station on Saturday, Dhaka Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia was quoted as saying by the bdnews24.Com.

S M H I Faruk, an engineer and the landowner of the building, was arrested from Bashundhara residential area around 1:45 am on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Moshiur Rahman, said.

BNP leader Tasvir Ul Islam, who is one of the owners of the building and the president of the commercial complex's management committee, was arrested from his Baridhara residence on Saturday, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Shahjahan Saju, said.

Authorities said that the building lacked adequate fire safety measures and had no fire-protected staircases.

Islam was the owner of the top three floors of the building that had no permission for the construction, police said.

There were other partners, who jointly own the building, and police were looking for the chief of the construction company that built the complex, they said.

Islam is a member of the BNP's central committee and the president of the party's Kurigram wing. He is the younger brother of late A K M Maidul Islam, a founding member of the BNP, and the managing director and CEO of the Quasem Industries Limited.

The firm has its offices on the 21st and 22nd floors of the building. 
The ownership of the building was jointly held by Faruk, and a real estate company, Rupayan, which built the tower, they said.

A senior leader of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was among two persons arrested in connection with a devastating fire in a high-rise building that killed 26 people in Dhaka last week, police said on Sunday.

A senior leader of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was among two persons arrested in connection with a devastating fire in a high-rise building that killed 26 people in Dhaka last week, police said on Sunday. At least 26 people were killed and 50 others were injured when the blaze broke out in the 23-floor office block, F R Tower in Dhaka's Banani area, on Thursday. A case was registered in Benani police station on Saturday, Dhaka Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia was quoted as saying by the bdnews24.Com. S M H I Faruk, an engineer and the landowner of the building, was arrested from Bashundhara residential area around 1:45 am on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Moshiur Rahman, said. BNP leader Tasvir Ul Islam, who is one of the owners of the building and the president of the commercial complex's management committee, was arrested from his Baridhara residence on Saturday, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Shahjahan Saju, said. Authorities said that the building lacked adequate fire safety measures and had no fire-protected staircases. Islam was the owner of the top three floors of the building that had no permission for the construction, police said. There were other partners, who jointly own the building, and police were looking for the chief of the construction company that built the complex, they said. Islam is a member of the BNP's central committee and the president of the party's Kurigram wing. He is the younger brother of late A K M Maidul Islam, a founding member of the BNP, and the managing director and CEO of the Quasem Industries Limited. The firm has its offices on the 21st and 22nd floors of the building. The ownership of the building was jointly held by Faruk, and a real estate company, Rupayan, which built the tower, they said.

Bangladesh building fire: Landowner Faruk and BNP leader Tasvir arrested

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards.

The latest deadly blaze to hit Bangladesh's congested capital tore through the 22-storey FR Tower on Thursday, leaving some of the hundreds trapped inside screaming for help as horrified onlookers massed outside.

Police said they had detained two men, SMHI Faruque and Tasvir Ul Islam -- who is district leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- in the capital, after filing charges against them for criminal negligence.

"We arrested Faruque just after midnight. He is the 45 per cent owner of the building. He also owns the land on which the building was constructed," deputy commissioner Mashiur Rahman told AFP.

Senior police official Shahjahan Saju told AFP that Islam, who contested the parliamentary election in December and lost, was arrested at 11 pm (1700 GMT) Saturday over allegations he owns part of the FR building -- which authorities have said was extended illegally and lacked adequate fire safety measures.

Police said they were also looking for the owner of the construction firm which built the tower in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Some of those stuck inside the burning building, in the upmarket Banani commercial district, made it to safety by sliding down cables on the side of the building, but others took their chances and jumped in a bid to escape the smoke and heat.&nbsp;

Six people leaped to their deaths.

Firefighters backed by military specialists -- some in helicopters -- tackled the flames, lowering ropes to help people escape, while rescuers on long ladders smashed through windows.

The arrests came as a senior minister called the fire an act of murder amid growing public clamour for better building safety standards.&nbsp;

"Definitely this is murder. It is not an accident... Nobody will escape the law," housing and public works minister Rezaul Karim told reporters on Friday.

Authorities have ordered an investigation into safety measures at the tower. Fire officials said the blaze-hit building lacked fire exits and sprinklers, while access to its emergency staircase was padlocked.

The city's housing authority later said five upper floors in the building were illegally added without official permission.

According to a 2012 study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, most high-rise buildings in 15-million-strong Dhaka have inadequate fire safety measures.

Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards.

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards. The latest deadly blaze to hit Bangladesh's congested capital tore through the 22-storey FR Tower on Thursday, leaving some of the hundreds trapped inside screaming for help as horrified onlookers massed outside. Police said they had detained two men, SMHI Faruque and Tasvir Ul Islam -- who is district leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- in the capital, after filing charges against them for criminal negligence. "We arrested Faruque just after midnight. He is the 45 per cent owner of the building. He also owns the land on which the building was constructed," deputy commissioner Mashiur Rahman told AFP. Senior police official Shahjahan Saju told AFP that Islam, who contested the parliamentary election in December and lost, was arrested at 11 pm (1700 GMT) Saturday over allegations he owns part of the FR building -- which authorities have said was extended illegally and lacked adequate fire safety measures. Police said they were also looking for the owner of the construction firm which built the tower in the 1990s. Some of those stuck inside the burning building, in the upmarket Banani commercial district, made it to safety by sliding down cables on the side of the building, but others took their chances and jumped in a bid to escape the smoke and heat. Six people leaped to their deaths. Firefighters backed by military specialists -- some in helicopters -- tackled the flames, lowering ropes to help people escape, while rescuers on long ladders smashed through windows. The arrests came as a senior minister called the fire an act of murder amid growing public clamour for better building safety standards. "Definitely this is murder. It is not an accident... Nobody will escape the law," housing and public works minister Rezaul Karim told reporters on Friday. Authorities have ordered an investigation into safety measures at the tower. Fire officials said the blaze-hit building lacked fire exits and sprinklers, while access to its emergency staircase was padlocked. The city's housing authority later said five upper floors in the building were illegally added without official permission. According to a 2012 study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, most high-rise buildings in 15-million-strong Dhaka have inadequate fire safety measures. Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Bangladesh arrests owners of blaze-hit Dhaka tower

A high-rise commercial building in the Bangladeshi capital where a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-fire-death-toll-rises-to-25-officials-206416"> blaze this week killed at least 25 people</a> lacked proper fire exits, government officials said, prompting a senior minister to describe the incident as "murder".

Lax regulations and poor enforcement have often been blamed for several large fires in the south Asian nation that have led to hundreds of deaths in recent years, at least 96 since last month.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of Thursday`s fire, in which at least seven people, including a Sri Lankan, died after jumping off the 22-storey structure in one of the world`s most densely congested cities.&nbsp;

"There were no proper fire exits in the building that houses many offices and several restaurants," Julfikar Rahman, director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told Reuters.

"It the building had proper fire exits, people would have been able to come out. There was little fire-fighting equipment in the building and it was not in working condition."

At just two feet (0.6 m) and four feet (1.2 m) wide, the building`s two exits were too narrow for people inside to leave smoothly, and were blocked by obstructions that made the task harder, he added.

Reuters could not ascertain who owns the building, and a telephone number for the purported owner was switched off.

The Dhaka development authority said it was investigating how the owner, who had permission only to build 18 stories, managed to extend them to 22.

"It`s not an accident, it`s murder," Public Works and Housing Minister Rezaul Karim told reporters after visiting the site, where firefighters combed through the ashes.

"Legal action will be taken against those responsible for violating the building code, no matter how powerful they are."

Helicopters had joined 22 firefighting units in battling the fire, along with police and armed forces, as some of those trapped in the building waved desperately for help from its windows and roof.

The blaze comes a month after an inferno killed 71 people in an old neighbourhood of the city.&nbsp;

A high-rise commercial building in the Bangladeshi capital where a blaze this week killed at least 25 people lacked proper fire exits, government officials said, prompting a senior minister to describe the incident as "murder".

A high-rise commercial building in the Bangladeshi capital where a blaze this week killed at least 25 people lacked proper fire exits, government officials said, prompting a senior minister to describe the incident as "murder". Lax regulations and poor enforcement have often been blamed for several large fires in the south Asian nation that have led to hundreds of deaths in recent years, at least 96 since last month. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of Thursday`s fire, in which at least seven people, including a Sri Lankan, died after jumping off the 22-storey structure in one of the world`s most densely congested cities. "There were no proper fire exits in the building that houses many offices and several restaurants," Julfikar Rahman, director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told Reuters. "It the building had proper fire exits, people would have been able to come out. There was little fire-fighting equipment in the building and it was not in working condition." At just two feet (0.6 m) and four feet (1.2 m) wide, the building`s two exits were too narrow for people inside to leave smoothly, and were blocked by obstructions that made the task harder, he added. Reuters could not ascertain who owns the building, and a telephone number for the purported owner was switched off. The Dhaka development authority said it was investigating how the owner, who had permission only to build 18 stories, managed to extend them to 22. "It`s not an accident, it`s murder," Public Works and Housing Minister Rezaul Karim told reporters after visiting the site, where firefighters combed through the ashes. "Legal action will be taken against those responsible for violating the building code, no matter how powerful they are." Helicopters had joined 22 firefighting units in battling the fire, along with police and armed forces, as some of those trapped in the building waved desperately for help from its windows and roof. The blaze comes a month after an inferno killed 71 people in an old neighbourhood of the city.

Bangladesh high-rise hit by deadly blaze lacked proper fire exits: Official

A Bangladesh court sentenced five men to death in absentia for atrocities perpetrated during the country's war of independence in 1971, prosecutors said Thursday.

A special court said the fugitives were found guilty of serial abuses during the war, which saw Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan. Critics say the so-called International Crimes Tribunal, which has no international oversight, is politically motivated and used to target the opposition.

"They were charged with murder, abduction, looting, arson and rape in Netrokona in 1971," prosecutor M.R. Badol told AFP, referring to a northern district some 170 kilometres (106 miles) from Dhaka.

Prosecutors said the four accused were connected to Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh and one allied to the country's main opposition party.

The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accuses Jamaat of collaborating with Pakistani forces during the war and has banned it as a political outfit.

Bangladesh says Pakistani troops, aided by local militias, killed three million people and raped 200,000 women during the nine-month war. Independent researchers put the figures much lowers.

Hasina, whose father was Bangladesh's first post-independence prime minister, created the war crimes tribunal in 2010.&nbsp;

So far, six key opposition leaders have been executed by the tribunal

The government insists the trials have been fair and meet international standards, despite strident criticism from rights groups.

Hasina won a fourth term in office in December in a landslide victory for her ruling Awami League party. The poll was marred by widespread allegations of graft, and most of Hasina's opponents were jailed and unable to contest.

A Bangladesh court sentenced five men to death in absentia for atrocities perpetrated during the country's war of independence in 1971, prosecutors said Thursday.

A Bangladesh court sentenced five men to death in absentia for atrocities perpetrated during the country's war of independence in 1971, prosecutors said Thursday. A special court said the fugitives were found guilty of serial abuses during the war, which saw Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan. Critics say the so-called International Crimes Tribunal, which has no international oversight, is politically motivated and used to target the opposition. "They were charged with murder, abduction, looting, arson and rape in Netrokona in 1971," prosecutor M.R. Badol told AFP, referring to a northern district some 170 kilometres (106 miles) from Dhaka. Prosecutors said the four accused were connected to Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh and one allied to the country's main opposition party. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accuses Jamaat of collaborating with Pakistani forces during the war and has banned it as a political outfit. Bangladesh says Pakistani troops, aided by local militias, killed three million people and raped 200,000 women during the nine-month war. Independent researchers put the figures much lowers. Hasina, whose father was Bangladesh's first post-independence prime minister, created the war crimes tribunal in 2010. So far, six key opposition leaders have been executed by the tribunal The government insists the trials have been fair and meet international standards, despite strident criticism from rights groups. Hasina won a fourth term in office in December in a landslide victory for her ruling Awami League party. The poll was marred by widespread allegations of graft, and most of Hasina's opponents were jailed and unable to contest.

Bangladesh court sentences five accused war criminals to death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-in-venezuela-not-linked-to-any-military-operations-foreign-ministry-206267">Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry</a>

A day after&nbsp;President Trump asked&nbsp;Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fire-breaks-out-in-22-storey-building-in-bangladesh-several-feared-trapped-206273">Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped</a>

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-surreptitiously-inserted-by-nehru-govt-in-constitution-arun-jaitley-206257">Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley</a>

Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/common-citizen-robert-vadra-now-involved-in-huge-deals-says-ed-seeking-his-custody-206269">Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody</a>

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material."

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/syria-backs-india-as-a-full-fledged-member-of-the-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-206265">Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a>

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas.&nbsp;In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations.

Russian troops in Venezuela not linked to any military operations: Foreign ministry A day after President Trump asked Russian troops to "get out" of Venezuela, the Russian foreign ministry said that its troops in Venezuela were "not linked" to any military operations. Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital. Article 35A surreptitiously inserted by Nehru govt in Constitution: Arun Jaitley Union Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday wrote a blog post, where he launched a scathing attack against the Congress and blamed Pt Nehru’s govt and Nehruvian vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s present situation. Common citizen Robert Vadra now involved in huge deals, says ED seeking his custody The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Appearing before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, ED advocate DP Singh said, "We need his custodial interrogation, we have sufficient material." Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers.

Four people died when they jumped off from different floors of the building while a student of the Dhaka University died due to the effects of the blaze, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

"A 35-year-old man, identified as Abdullah Al Faruk, an MBA student at Dhaka University, was declared dead after he was rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital," the paper reported.

Another person, who was yet to be identified by the authorities, was declared dead at Kurmitola General Hospital after he fell off the building while trying to escape the fire.

"Similarly, three more male victims were declared dead on arrival by the doctors of United Hospital," officials were quoted as saying.

The people who lost their lives were among half a dozen people who jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building, resulting in grave injuries, senior officials said.

Apart from 21 fire tenders, Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and Navy commandos have been sent to the spot to douse the blaze.

While the actual reason behind the blaze was not known, eyewitnesses and a government officer at the spot said that the fire broke out on the eight floors of the building and later spread to the other floors.

However, fire service did not comment on what caused the fire. 
They, however, said that around 35 people have been rescued from the building while the operation to save others was on.

"Three units of Bangladesh Navy are working to tame the blaze. We have brought around 50 per cent of the fire under control," Siraj, a Navy officer, said.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director, Abdullah Ibn Zaid, said that three Bangladesh Air Force helicopters are aiding the search and rescue operations, along with teams from the Bangladesh Army and Navy.

Last month at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area.&nbsp;

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital. The incident happened on Thursday afternoon in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers. Four people died when they jumped off from different floors of the building while a student of the Dhaka University died due to the effects of the blaze, the Dhaka Tribune reported. "A 35-year-old man, identified as Abdullah Al Faruk, an MBA student at Dhaka University, was declared dead after he was rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital," the paper reported. Another person, who was yet to be identified by the authorities, was declared dead at Kurmitola General Hospital after he fell off the building while trying to escape the fire. "Similarly, three more male victims were declared dead on arrival by the doctors of United Hospital," officials were quoted as saying. The people who lost their lives were among half a dozen people who jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building, resulting in grave injuries, senior officials said. Apart from 21 fire tenders, Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and Navy commandos have been sent to the spot to douse the blaze. While the actual reason behind the blaze was not known, eyewitnesses and a government officer at the spot said that the fire broke out on the eight floors of the building and later spread to the other floors. However, fire service did not comment on what caused the fire. They, however, said that around 35 people have been rescued from the building while the operation to save others was on. "Three units of Bangladesh Navy are working to tame the blaze. We have brought around 50 per cent of the fire under control," Siraj, a Navy officer, said. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director, Abdullah Ibn Zaid, said that three Bangladesh Air Force helicopters are aiding the search and rescue operations, along with teams from the Bangladesh Army and Navy. Last month at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area.

Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped

A Bangladeshi mother has stunned doctors by giving birth to healthy twins 26 days after a first child was born prematurely.

Arifa Sultana, 20, gave birth to a baby boy last month through normal delivery, but doctors missed the presence of a second uterus.

"She didn't realise she was still pregnant with the twins. Her waters broke again 26 days after the first baby was born and she rushed to us," Sheila Poddar, a gynaecologist who treated the woman, told AFP.

Podder carried out an emergency caesarean section to deliver the twins -- one boy and one girl -- last Friday.

The young woman from Jessore district in southwest Bangladesh was allowed to go home with her three healthy babies on Tuesday. Podder said there were no complications.

"I haven't seen any case like this in my 30-year plus medical career," Dilip Roy, chief government doctor in Jessore, told AFP.

Roy questioned the actions of Khulna Medical College Hospital doctors for not detecting the second pregnancy.

Hailing from a poor family, Sultana said she was happy with the three children but felt concerned how she would bring them up.

She told AFP her husband earns barely 6,000 taka ($70) a month as a labourer. "I don't know how we will manage such a huge responsibility with this little amount."

Her husband Sumon Biswas put on a brave face. "It was a miracle from Allah that all of my children are healthy. I will try my best to keep them happy," he said.

A Bangladeshi mother has stunned doctors by giving birth to healthy twins 26 days after a first child was born prematurely. Arifa Sultana, 20, gave birth to a baby boy last month through normal delivery, but doctors missed the presence of a second uterus.

A Bangladeshi mother has stunned doctors by giving birth to healthy twins 26 days after a first child was born prematurely. Arifa Sultana, 20, gave birth to a baby boy last month through normal delivery, but doctors missed the presence of a second uterus. "She didn't realise she was still pregnant with the twins. Her waters broke again 26 days after the first baby was born and she rushed to us," Sheila Poddar, a gynaecologist who treated the woman, told AFP. Podder carried out an emergency caesarean section to deliver the twins -- one boy and one girl -- last Friday. The young woman from Jessore district in southwest Bangladesh was allowed to go home with her three healthy babies on Tuesday. Podder said there were no complications. "I haven't seen any case like this in my 30-year plus medical career," Dilip Roy, chief government doctor in Jessore, told AFP. Roy questioned the actions of Khulna Medical College Hospital doctors for not detecting the second pregnancy. Hailing from a poor family, Sultana said she was happy with the three children but felt concerned how she would bring them up. She told AFP her husband earns barely 6,000 taka ($70) a month as a labourer. "I don't know how we will manage such a huge responsibility with this little amount." Her husband Sumon Biswas put on a brave face. "It was a miracle from Allah that all of my children are healthy. I will try my best to keep them happy," he said.

Bangladesh mother gives birth to twins one month after first birth

Bangladesh is not in a hurry to relocate Rohingya refugees to a Bay of Bengal island, a minister told Reuters on Monday, after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-draws-up-plans-to-facilitate-rohingya-relocation-to-island-205126">United Nations</a> sought more details on the government's plan, criticised by some human rights groups.

Bangladesh wants to move 100,000 of the nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims sheltered in cramped camps in its southeastern district of Cox's Bazar to the remote island, known as Bhasan Char, which it has been developing for the past two years.

The United Nations is making plans to help Bangladesh with the move, Reuters reported last week.

But in a statement on Monday, the world body 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.

"We're also examining the potential operational implications of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including the requirements, time frames and costs involved," it said.

Bangladesh is in 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.

"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.

The March 12 plans show how the agency and its partners "may facilitate the identification, staging, forward movement, reception, and sustainment of refugees" on the island, based on an initial appeal for donor funds from $9 million to $19 million.

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 is not in a hurry to relocate Rohingya refugees to a Bay of Bengal island, a minister told Reuters on Monday, after the United Nations sought more details on the government's plan, criticised by some human rights groups.

Bangladesh is not in a hurry to relocate Rohingya refugees to a Bay of Bengal island, a minister told Reuters on Monday, after the United Nations sought more details on the government's plan, criticised by some human rights groups. Bangladesh wants to move 100,000 of the nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims sheltered in cramped camps in its southeastern district of Cox's Bazar to the remote island, known as Bhasan Char, which it has been developing for the past two years. The United Nations is making plans to help Bangladesh with the move, Reuters reported last week. But in a statement on Monday, the world body 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. "We're also examining the potential operational implications of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including the requirements, time frames and costs involved," it said. Bangladesh is in 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. "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. The March 12 plans show how the agency and its partners "may facilitate the identification, staging, forward movement, reception, and sustainment of refugees" on the island, based on an initial appeal for donor funds from $9 million to $19 million. 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 says no hurry to relocate Rohingya, in talks with United Nations bodies

An official at the UN refugee agency UNHCR met with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-to-move-rohingya-to-island-next-month-minister-203255">Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh</a> and on Thursday said they were "grateful" to their host country but longed to return to "normalcy and dignity" to Myanmar.

During his five-day visit, Volker Turk, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, met with many Rohingya in the Kutupalong refugee settlement - the world's largest - and discussed how they see their futures evolve.

He also met with the government officials in Bangladesh to review the challenges they are facing and discussed finding solutions to the development of conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees to Myanmar.

Rohingya regard themselves as native to western Myanmar's Rakhine State but Myanmar authorities and many citizens regard them as illegal immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.

Many are stateless as a 1982 law restricts citizenship for the Rohingya and other minorities not considered members of one of Myanmar's "national races".

The Myanmar government refuses even to use the word "Rohingya", as that would imply a distinct identity, instead of calling them "Bengali".

A crackdown on the Rohingya in 2017 forced more than 730,000 to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Myanmar forces launched their offensive in Rakhine State in response to a series of attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security posts near the Bangladesh border.

A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign was orchestrated with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar is facing growing international calls for accountability over the Rakhine campaign but continues to deny accusations of murder, rape and other abuses by its forces.

Though Myanmar says it is ready to welcome back the refugees, northern Rakhine state, from where they fled, is still riven by ethnic tensions and violence, and the UN has said conditions are not right for them to return.

Rohingya refugees say they will not return without guarantees of basic rights, including citizenship and freedom of movement.

An official at the UN refugee agency UNHCR met with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and on Thursday said they were "grateful" to their host country but longed to return to "normalcy and dignity" to Myanmar.

An official at the UN refugee agency UNHCR met with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and on Thursday said they were "grateful" to their host country but longed to return to "normalcy and dignity" to Myanmar. During his five-day visit, Volker Turk, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, met with many Rohingya in the Kutupalong refugee settlement - the world's largest - and discussed how they see their futures evolve. He also met with the government officials in Bangladesh to review the challenges they are facing and discussed finding solutions to the development of conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees to Myanmar. Rohingya regard themselves as native to western Myanmar's Rakhine State but Myanmar authorities and many citizens regard them as illegal immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. Many are stateless as a 1982 law restricts citizenship for the Rohingya and other minorities not considered members of one of Myanmar's "national races". The Myanmar government refuses even to use the word "Rohingya", as that would imply a distinct identity, instead of calling them "Bengali". A crackdown on the Rohingya in 2017 forced more than 730,000 to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar forces launched their offensive in Rakhine State in response to a series of attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security posts near the Bangladesh border. A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign was orchestrated with "genocidal intent". Myanmar is facing growing international calls for accountability over the Rakhine campaign but continues to deny accusations of murder, rape and other abuses by its forces. Though Myanmar says it is ready to welcome back the refugees, northern Rakhine state, from where they fled, is still riven by ethnic tensions and violence, and the UN has said conditions are not right for them to return. Rohingya refugees say they will not return without guarantees of basic rights, including citizenship and freedom of movement.

Grateful to host Bangladesh, but Rohingya refugees belong to Myanmar: UNHCR

Husna Ahmed was 19 when she arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-to-bury-its-dead-after-mosque-massacre-204416">New Zealand </a>from Bangladesh on her wedding day. Waiting to meet her was Farid, the man she would marry in a few hours, as their families had agreed.

A quarter of a century later, the life they had built together was torn apart when a gunman walked into the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch and began firing on worshippers at Friday prayers.

Husna encountered the gunman on his way out of the mosque. He shot her on the footpath. She fell and he fired two more shots, killing her instantly.

Farid, who uses a wheelchair after an earlier accident, was talking to a friend and was delayed from joining worshippers at his usual spot at the front of the mosque, instead praying in a small side room.

He managed to escape when he heard the shooting begin. He returned when the gunman left to find many of his friends and community members dead, and comfort those who were dying.

Farid found out about his wife's death when a detective he knew called his niece as they waited outside the mosque.

She passed the phone: "I don't want you to wait the whole night, Farid. Go home, she will not come,” Farid said the detective told him.

"At the moment I hear that, my response was I felt numb,” Farid told Reuters. "I had tears but I didn't break down."

His niece crumbled.

A total of 50 people were killed in the rampage, with as many wounded, as the gunman went from Al Noor to another mosque in the South Island city. Their funerals began on Wednesday.

Most victims were migrants or refugees from countries including Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Husna was one of five members of a growing but tight-knit Bangladeshi community killed, according to the Bangladesh consul in New Zealand, Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan. Four others were wounded, one critically, he added.

“The country is viewed as a slice of paradise," he told Reuters. "Everyone is in shock. It will certainly take time for the residents to come out of the trauma.”

Members of the Bangladesh cricket team, in town for a test match against New Zealand, narrowly avoided the carnage, turning up at the Al Noor mosque soon after the attack took place.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with murder. He entered no plea and police said he will face more charges.

The slaughter has rocked Christchurch, and New Zealand, to its core, blanketing the city in grief and driving Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to promise swift gun law reform.

Based on what eyewitnesses told him, Farid said instead of hiding, Husna helped women and children inside the mosque and ran to the front of the building to look for him.

"She's such a person who always put other people first and she was even not afraid to give her life saving other people,” Farid said.

Farid said he had forgiven his wife's killer.

"I want to give the message to the person who did this, or if he has any friends who also think like this: I still love you," Farid said. "I want to hug you and I want to tell him in face that I am talking from my heart. I have no grudge against you, I never hated you, I will never hate you."

LIKE A MOTHER

Hours after the massacre, the front room of Farid's home in a sleepy Christchurch suburb was full with survivors and friends, grieving for a woman many described as like a mother to them.

Husna was born on 12 October in 1974 in Sylhet, on the banks of the Surma River in northeastern Bangladesh. She was so fast that Shahzalal Junior High School would only let her run three races, to give her rivals a chance, Farid said.

She moved to New Zealand in 1994.

Thin, nervous and overwhelmed, she burst into tears when her husband-to-be picked her up from Auckland airport.

He comforted her on the long drive back to Nelson, where he was living, and where she quickly found her feet.

With almost no other Bangladeshis in the small city, Husna made English-speaking friends and learned the language within six months. Farid said she spoke it with more of a Kiwi accent than he did.

When Farid's workmates at a meatpacking plant agreed to work half an hour longer on Fridays so he could take a break to pray, she cooked them a feast every week in thanks.

And when Farid was partially paralysed after being run over by a car outside their house four years into their marriage, she moved with him to Christchurch and became his nurse.

"Our hobby was we used to talk to each other. A lot. And we never felt bored," he said.

REBUILDING CHRISTCHURCH

When Christchurch was razed by a deadly earthquake in 2011, Husna helped settle an influx of Bangladeshi migrants - engineers, metalworkers and builders - who came to assist the rebuilding of the shattered city.

Mohammad Omar Faruk, 36, was one of the new arrivals. Faruk was working as a welder in Singapore but leapt at the opportunity to come to New Zealand where working conditions were better and permanent residency was possible.

Faruk, whose wife in Bangladesh is three months pregnant, was also killed at Al Noor mosque.

"My husband had so many dreams for our baby," said Sanjida Zaman, 19. "He dreamed of us being moved to New Zealand in a few years and my baby will get education there. What will happen to baby? Who will take care of my baby? I just can’t think."

Faruk's employer, Rob van Peer, said he had allowed his team to leave early last Friday after they finished a job by lunchtime, meaning Faruk could attend Friday prayers.

Van Peer said Faruk was loved by his colleagues for his loyal and friendly personality and fast, precise welds.

Zakaria Bhuiyan, a welder at another engineering firm, also died.

His wife, Rina Akhtar, 27, was at Dhaka airport on Wednesday, waiting to fly to New Zealand to bring her husband’s body back to Bangladesh.

“End of this month, I was supposed to get a visa to travel to New Zealand. We were so excited. My husband told me he could not wait to show me the country," she told Reuters.

“All my hopes and dreams are shattered. I only pray no one ever lose their loved ones this way.”

Mojammel Haque worked as a dentist in Bangladesh and was studying in New Zealand for an advanced medical qualification when he was killed.

All three men knew Husna, said their friend Mojibur Rahman, a welder and former flatmate of Faruk.

"It's really hard because we are a little community but everyone's living here in unity, we know each other, we share everything with each together," he said. "Now I don't know what's going to happen, how we become normal."

The fifth Bangladeshi victim was Abus Samad, 66, a former faculty member of Bangladesh Agriculture University who had been teaching at Christchurch's Lincoln University.

CUSTOMS AND CARE

Many new workers to Christchurch brought young families, or were starting them. Husna took it upon herself to care for women through their pregnancies, often waking Farid at all hours so he could drive her to the births.

"We think she's like a mother…if there's something we needed, we go to Husna," said Mohammed Jahangir Alan, another welder.

Husna guided his wife, then 19, to a midwife and a doctor and joined her in the delivery room as she gave birth to a baby girl, Alan said.

A few days later Husna shaved the infant's head, an Islamic ritual which she did for dozens of children in the community. She was so gentle the baby fell asleep while she pulled the razor over the soft skin.

Husna would also lead the customary washing and prayer ritual for women who died. She was due to lead a workshop the day after her death to teach other women the process.

Now, Husna's devastated female family members will wash her for her funeral, expected later this week.

"We know she would just want us to be a part of it, to wash her," said her sister-in-law Ayesha Corner.

After the burial, Farid says he wants to continue the work he and his wife did in the community and to care for their 15-year-old daughter.

When the lockdown at her school lifted on Friday, their daughter returned home, knowing only her mother was missing and asking where she was.

"I didn't miss a second, I said, 'She is with God,'" Farid said.

"She said,&nbsp;'You are lying'. She said,&nbsp;'Are you telling me I don't have a mother?'"

"I said,&nbsp;'Yes, but I am your mother now and I am your father...we have to change the roles."

Husna Ahmed was 19 when she arrived in New Zealand from Bangladesh on her wedding day. Waiting to meet her was Farid, the man she would marry in a few hours, as their families had agreed.

Husna Ahmed was 19 when she arrived in New Zealand from Bangladesh on her wedding day. Waiting to meet her was Farid, the man she would marry in a few hours, as their families had agreed. A quarter of a century later, the life they had built together was torn apart when a gunman walked into the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch and began firing on worshippers at Friday prayers. Husna encountered the gunman on his way out of the mosque. He shot her on the footpath. She fell and he fired two more shots, killing her instantly. Farid, who uses a wheelchair after an earlier accident, was talking to a friend and was delayed from joining worshippers at his usual spot at the front of the mosque, instead praying in a small side room. He managed to escape when he heard the shooting begin. He returned when the gunman left to find many of his friends and community members dead, and comfort those who were dying. Farid found out about his wife's death when a detective he knew called his niece as they waited outside the mosque. She passed the phone: "I don't want you to wait the whole night, Farid. Go home, she will not come,” Farid said the detective told him. "At the moment I hear that, my response was I felt numb,” Farid told Reuters. "I had tears but I didn't break down." His niece crumbled. A total of 50 people were killed in the rampage, with as many wounded, as the gunman went from Al Noor to another mosque in the South Island city. Their funerals began on Wednesday. Most victims were migrants or refugees from countries including Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey, Somalia and Afghanistan. Husna was one of five members of a growing but tight-knit Bangladeshi community killed, according to the Bangladesh consul in New Zealand, Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan. Four others were wounded, one critically, he added. “The country is viewed as a slice of paradise," he told Reuters. "Everyone is in shock. It will certainly take time for the residents to come out of the trauma.” Members of the Bangladesh cricket team, in town for a test match against New Zealand, narrowly avoided the carnage, turning up at the Al Noor mosque soon after the attack took place. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with murder. He entered no plea and police said he will face more charges. The slaughter has rocked Christchurch, and New Zealand, to its core, blanketing the city in grief and driving Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to promise swift gun law reform. Based on what eyewitnesses told him, Farid said instead of hiding, Husna helped women and children inside the mosque and ran to the front of the building to look for him. "She's such a person who always put other people first and she was even not afraid to give her life saving other people,” Farid said. Farid said he had forgiven his wife's killer. "I want to give the message to the person who did this, or if he has any friends who also think like this: I still love you," Farid said. "I want to hug you and I want to tell him in face that I am talking from my heart. I have no grudge against you, I never hated you, I will never hate you." LIKE A MOTHER Hours after the massacre, the front room of Farid's home in a sleepy Christchurch suburb was full with survivors and friends, grieving for a woman many described as like a mother to them. Husna was born on 12 October in 1974 in Sylhet, on the banks of the Surma River in northeastern Bangladesh. She was so fast that Shahzalal Junior High School would only let her run three races, to give her rivals a chance, Farid said. She moved to New Zealand in 1994. Thin, nervous and overwhelmed, she burst into tears when her husband-to-be picked her up from Auckland airport. He comforted her on the long drive back to Nelson, where he was living, and where she quickly found her feet. With almost no other Bangladeshis in the small city, Husna made English-speaking friends and learned the language within six months. Farid said she spoke it with more of a Kiwi accent than he did. When Farid's workmates at a meatpacking plant agreed to work half an hour longer on Fridays so he could take a break to pray, she cooked them a feast every week in thanks. And when Farid was partially paralysed after being run over by a car outside their house four years into their marriage, she moved with him to Christchurch and became his nurse. "Our hobby was we used to talk to each other. A lot. And we never felt bored," he said. REBUILDING CHRISTCHURCH When Christchurch was razed by a deadly earthquake in 2011, Husna helped settle an influx of Bangladeshi migrants - engineers, metalworkers and builders - who came to assist the rebuilding of the shattered city. Mohammad Omar Faruk, 36, was one of the new arrivals. Faruk was working as a welder in Singapore but leapt at the opportunity to come to New Zealand where working conditions were better and permanent residency was possible. Faruk, whose wife in Bangladesh is three months pregnant, was also killed at Al Noor mosque. "My husband had so many dreams for our baby," said Sanjida Zaman, 19. "He dreamed of us being moved to New Zealand in a few years and my baby will get education there. What will happen to baby? Who will take care of my baby? I just can’t think." Faruk's employer, Rob van Peer, said he had allowed his team to leave early last Friday after they finished a job by lunchtime, meaning Faruk could attend Friday prayers. Van Peer said Faruk was loved by his colleagues for his loyal and friendly personality and fast, precise welds. Zakaria Bhuiyan, a welder at another engineering firm, also died. His wife, Rina Akhtar, 27, was at Dhaka airport on Wednesday, waiting to fly to New Zealand to bring her husband’s body back to Bangladesh. “End of this month, I was supposed to get a visa to travel to New Zealand. We were so excited. My husband told me he could not wait to show me the country," she told Reuters. “All my hopes and dreams are shattered. I only pray no one ever lose their loved ones this way.” Mojammel Haque worked as a dentist in Bangladesh and was studying in New Zealand for an advanced medical qualification when he was killed. All three men knew Husna, said their friend Mojibur Rahman, a welder and former flatmate of Faruk. "It's really hard because we are a little community but everyone's living here in unity, we know each other, we share everything with each together," he said. "Now I don't know what's going to happen, how we become normal." The fifth Bangladeshi victim was Abus Samad, 66, a former faculty member of Bangladesh Agriculture University who had been teaching at Christchurch's Lincoln University. CUSTOMS AND CARE Many new workers to Christchurch brought young families, or were starting them. Husna took it upon herself to care for women through their pregnancies, often waking Farid at all hours so he could drive her to the births. "We think she's like a mother…if there's something we needed, we go to Husna," said Mohammed Jahangir Alan, another welder. Husna guided his wife, then 19, to a midwife and a doctor and joined her in the delivery room as she gave birth to a baby girl, Alan said. A few days later Husna shaved the infant's head, an Islamic ritual which she did for dozens of children in the community. She was so gentle the baby fell asleep while she pulled the razor over the soft skin. Husna would also lead the customary washing and prayer ritual for women who died. She was due to lead a workshop the day after her death to teach other women the process. Now, Husna's devastated female family members will wash her for her funeral, expected later this week. "We know she would just want us to be a part of it, to wash her," said her sister-in-law Ayesha Corner. After the burial, Farid says he wants to continue the work he and his wife did in the community and to care for their 15-year-old daughter. When the lockdown at her school lifted on Friday, their daughter returned home, knowing only her mother was missing and asking where she was. "I didn't miss a second, I said, 'She is with God,'" Farid said. "She said, 'You are lying'. She said, 'Are you telling me I don't have a mother?'" "I said, 'Yes, but I am your mother now and I am your father...we have to change the roles."

'I am your mother now': New Zealand mosque shootings hit tight-knit Bangladesh community hard

A lawyer for FIFA council member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron is set to file a petition in a Bangladesh court on Tuesday seeking bail for the official who has been arrested in a defamation case following her criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Mahfuza courted trouble after her remarks in a news conference last month in which she said Hasina was neglecting football in the cricket-obsessed country.

A sport organiser filed a defamation case against the 52-year-old who was arrested on Saturday.

"Hopefully, we'll file a bail petition tomorrow," her lawyer, Liakat Hossain, told Reuters on Monday.

The lawyer said Mahfuza was denied bail on Saturday but she was an "established woman" who represented the country abroad should be granted bail.

"We will file a bail petition again."

Hasina's administration has recently been accused of cracking down on free speech and adopting an increasingly authoritarian style.

The government of Hasina, who won a third straight term in a Dec. 30 election marred by violence and allegations of widespread rigging, denies freedom of speech is under attack in the country of 165 million people.

Abul Hasan Chowdhury Prince, who filed the case against Mahfuza, said her comments against Hasina were derogatory.

"I lodged the case as she made derogatory remarks against our sports-loving prime minister," he told Reuters.

A lawyer for FIFA council member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron is set to file a petition in a Bangladesh court on Tuesday seeking bail for the official who has been arrested in a defamation case following her criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A lawyer for FIFA council member Mahfuza Akhter Kiron is set to file a petition in a Bangladesh court on Tuesday seeking bail for the official who has been arrested in a defamation case following her criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Mahfuza courted trouble after her remarks in a news conference last month in which she said Hasina was neglecting football in the cricket-obsessed country. A sport organiser filed a defamation case against the 52-year-old who was arrested on Saturday. "Hopefully, we'll file a bail petition tomorrow," her lawyer, Liakat Hossain, told Reuters on Monday. The lawyer said Mahfuza was denied bail on Saturday but she was an "established woman" who represented the country abroad should be granted bail. "We will file a bail petition again." Hasina's administration has recently been accused of cracking down on free speech and adopting an increasingly authoritarian style. The government of Hasina, who won a third straight term in a Dec. 30 election marred by violence and allegations of widespread rigging, denies freedom of speech is under attack in the country of 165 million people. Abul Hasan Chowdhury Prince, who filed the case against Mahfuza, said her comments against Hasina were derogatory. "I lodged the case as she made derogatory remarks against our sports-loving prime minister," he told Reuters.

Bangladesh FIFA official arrested for 'defaming' PM Sheikh Hasina

Myanmar's army said on Monday it had set up a military court to investigate its conduct during a crackdown on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-to-move-rohingya-to-island-next-month-minister-203255">Rohingya Muslim minority</a> in 2017 that forced more than 730,000 to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

The court comprising a major-general and two colonels will investigate events in western Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017, the military said in a statement posted on the website of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the army commander-in-chief.

"The information is released that the investigation court was formed with the following persons to further scrutinize and confirm the respective incidents," the military said.

The court will respond to allegations made by the United Nations and rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accusing security forces of mass killings, rape and arson.

Myanmar forces launched their offensive in Rakhine State in response to a series of attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security posts near the Bangladesh border.

A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign was orchestrated with "genocidal intent" and recommended charging Min Aung Hlaing and five other generals with the "gravest crimes under international law".

Myanmar has denied the accusations of murder, rape and other abuses by its forces though Min Aung Hlaing said last month "a number of security men may have been involved".

A previous military investigation in 2017 exonerated the security forces of any crimes.

The new court is "another bad faith manoeuvre" to fend off international pressure, said Nicholas Bequelin, Southeast Asia and Pacific Director of Amnesty International.

"The military stands accused of the gravest crimes under international law and has shown no sign of reform," he said.

"The idea that the Tatmadaw could investigate itself and ensure justice and accountability is both dangerous and delusional," Bequelin added, referring to the army.

The military information unit did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Myanmar is facing growing international calls for accountability over the Rakhine campaign.

The International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary examination into the violence, while a commission of enquiry formed by Myanmar and including Filipino diplomat Rosario Manalo and Kenzo Oshima, Japan's former ambassador to the UN, is due to publish its findings this year.

The creation of the military court was based on assessments and suggestions from the military-appointed Judge Advocate-General, as well the allegations contained in human rights reports, according to the army statement.

Myanmar's army said on Monday it had set up a military court to investigate its conduct during a crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017 that forced more than 730,000 to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Myanmar's army said on Monday it had set up a military court to investigate its conduct during a crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017 that forced more than 730,000 to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. The court comprising a major-general and two colonels will investigate events in western Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017, the military said in a statement posted on the website of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the army commander-in-chief. "The information is released that the investigation court was formed with the following persons to further scrutinize and confirm the respective incidents," the military said. The court will respond to allegations made by the United Nations and rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accusing security forces of mass killings, rape and arson. Myanmar forces launched their offensive in Rakhine State in response to a series of attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security posts near the Bangladesh border. A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign was orchestrated with "genocidal intent" and recommended charging Min Aung Hlaing and five other generals with the "gravest crimes under international law". Myanmar has denied the accusations of murder, rape and other abuses by its forces though Min Aung Hlaing said last month "a number of security men may have been involved". A previous military investigation in 2017 exonerated the security forces of any crimes. The new court is "another bad faith manoeuvre" to fend off international pressure, said Nicholas Bequelin, Southeast Asia and Pacific Director of Amnesty International. "The military stands accused of the gravest crimes under international law and has shown no sign of reform," he said. "The idea that the Tatmadaw could investigate itself and ensure justice and accountability is both dangerous and delusional," Bequelin added, referring to the army. The military information unit did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Myanmar is facing growing international calls for accountability over the Rakhine campaign. The International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary examination into the violence, while a commission of enquiry formed by Myanmar and including Filipino diplomat Rosario Manalo and Kenzo Oshima, Japan's former ambassador to the UN, is due to publish its findings this year. The creation of the military court was based on assessments and suggestions from the military-appointed Judge Advocate-General, as well the allegations contained in human rights reports, according to the army statement.

Myanmar military court to probe Rohingya atrocity allegations

Two Bangladeshis have been killed, five others injured and three were missing in New Zealand's worst terror attacks that claimed 49 lives, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said here on Saturday. 
 
Speaking to reporters at an event at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh here, Alam revised the death toll, saying one of the victims identified as 'Mrs&nbsp;Samad' was found alive. 
 
In a statement published on the minister's Facebook page, the dead have been identified as Dr Abdus Samad, a professor of Lincoln University in New Zealand, and Hosne Ara Parvin. 
 
Bangladesh Honorary Consul in Auckland Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan on Friday said that three Bangladeshi nationals had been killed in the attack. 
 
They were identified as Dr Samad, his wife, and another woman, Hosne Ara Parvin.&nbsp; 
 
At least 49 worshippers were killed and 20 others injured in attacks on the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen and has been described as an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist. 
 
'The death toll was based on initial reports from the expatriate community, but it had been revised down to two after one of the victims identified as 'Mrs. Samad' was found alive,'&nbsp;the state minister was quoted as saying by the bdnews24.Com. 
 
Samad was born in Mymensingh and a faculty member of Bangladesh Agriculture University.&nbsp; 
 
Parvin and her husband Farid Uddin had been living in Christchurch for several decades, the report said. 
 
Alam said three Bangladesh nationals were missing since the attack. They have been identified as Mozammel Haque, Zakaria Bhuiyan and Shaon. 
 
Five injured, identified as Lipi, Muntasim, Sheikh Hassan Rubel, Shahjada Akhtar, and Omar Farooq, have been hospitalized, where the condition of two is said to be critical, the minister said.

Two Bangladeshis have been killed, five others injured and three were missing in New Zealand's worst terror attacks that claimed 49 lives, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said here on Saturday.

Two Bangladeshis have been killed, five others injured and three were missing in New Zealand's worst terror attacks that claimed 49 lives, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said here on Saturday. Speaking to reporters at an event at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh here, Alam revised the death toll, saying one of the victims identified as 'Mrs Samad' was found alive. In a statement published on the minister's Facebook page, the dead have been identified as Dr Abdus Samad, a professor of Lincoln University in New Zealand, and Hosne Ara Parvin. Bangladesh Honorary Consul in Auckland Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan on Friday said that three Bangladeshi nationals had been killed in the attack. They were identified as Dr Samad, his wife, and another woman, Hosne Ara Parvin. At least 49 worshippers were killed and 20 others injured in attacks on the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday. The gunman at one mosque was an Australian-born citizen and has been described as an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist. 'The death toll was based on initial reports from the expatriate community, but it had been revised down to two after one of the victims identified as 'Mrs. Samad' was found alive,' the state minister was quoted as saying by the bdnews24.Com. Samad was born in Mymensingh and a faculty member of Bangladesh Agriculture University. Parvin and her husband Farid Uddin had been living in Christchurch for several decades, the report said. Alam said three Bangladesh nationals were missing since the attack. They have been identified as Mozammel Haque, Zakaria Bhuiyan and Shaon. Five injured, identified as Lipi, Muntasim, Sheikh Hassan Rubel, Shahjada Akhtar, and Omar Farooq, have been hospitalized, where the condition of two is said to be critical, the minister said.

2 Bangladeshis dead, 5 injured, 3 missing in New Zealand terror attack: State minister

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-injured-after-mass-shooting-in-new-zealands-mosque-203408">shooting at a mosque in Christchurch</a> on Friday. The visiting team narrowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attack-shootings-took-place-at-two-locations-says-police-203422">avoided the shooting</a> after arriving at the mosque for prayers.

New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

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Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch. We can confirm that both teams and support staff groups are safe and accounted for. We will be working with authorities on the next steps regarding tomorrow’s scheduled Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a>
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Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a> has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.
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Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-enduring-one-of-its-darkest-days-pm-jacinda-ardern-after-mosque-shooting-203429">mosque in Christchurch</a> and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

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Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/christchurchMosqueAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#christchurchMosqueAttack</a>
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamimOfficial28/status/1106374964779708416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor.

Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch on Friday. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers.

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch on Friday. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers. New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch. We can confirm that both teams and support staff groups are safe and accounted for. We will be working with authorities on the next steps regarding tomorrow’s scheduled Test. @BCBtigers — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019 × Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe. — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019 × Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside when the incident happened. "They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers." Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack — Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019 × Mazhar Uddin, a reporter for Bangladesh's Daily Star who is travelling with the team, said they were told a shooting was going on when they arrived at Christchurch's Masjid Al Noor. Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Third New Zealand-Bangladesh Test cancelled after shooting at Christchurch mosque

In a two weeks long joint operation by India and Myanmar against the Rohingya insurgent groups Arakan Army and Naga terror group NSCN(K), the countries launched a massive crackdown destroying several camps of the terror organisations.

NSCN (K) is Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and a designated terror group in India.&nbsp;

The groups had planned attacks against India's connectivity projects in the east like the Kaladan multi-modal project.

The project is vital for the connectivity of north-east India with the ASEAN countries and&nbsp;is also important for India's act east policy.

Arakan Army had set up bases along the India-Myanmar border especially around the Mizoram state. Myanmar terror group Kachin Independence Army (KIA) had been training the Arakan Army along the China Myanmar border in northern Myanmar's Kachin state.

In the first phase operation was launched against the camps bordering Mizoram while in the second phase NSCN (K) HQ in Taga was targetted. It is being reported in local papers that the Myanmar army has taken many leaders of NSCN (K) after the operation at their base at Taga in Sagaing division of Myanmar.

Sagaing division is an administrative region of Myanmar and located in the north-western part of the country bordering India.

The development comes even as India launched strikes against the camps of the United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in February.&nbsp;

In a two weeks long joint operation by India and Myanmar against the Rohingya insurgent groups Arakan Army and Naga terror group NSCN(K), the countries launched a massive crackdown destroying several camps of the terror organisations.

In a two weeks long joint operation by India and Myanmar against the Rohingya insurgent groups Arakan Army and Naga terror group NSCN(K), the countries launched a massive crackdown destroying several camps of the terror organisations. NSCN (K) is Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and a designated terror group in India. The groups had planned attacks against India's connectivity projects in the east like the Kaladan multi-modal project. The project is vital for the connectivity of north-east India with the ASEAN countries and is also important for India's act east policy. Arakan Army had set up bases along the India-Myanmar border especially around the Mizoram state. Myanmar terror group Kachin Independence Army (KIA) had been training the Arakan Army along the China Myanmar border in northern Myanmar's Kachin state. In the first phase operation was launched against the camps bordering Mizoram while in the second phase NSCN (K) HQ in Taga was targetted. It is being reported in local papers that the Myanmar army has taken many leaders of NSCN (K) after the operation at their base at Taga in Sagaing division of Myanmar. Sagaing division is an administrative region of Myanmar and located in the north-western part of the country bordering India. The development comes even as India launched strikes against the camps of the United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in February.

Joint India, Myanmar operation targets Rohingya insurgents and Naga terror groups

Bangladesh is extending the deadline by three months for companies to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, the part of state-owned energy company Petrobangla that oversees LNG supplies, on Jan. 30 requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh.

The initial EOIs were supposed to be due by March 20 but the companies hoping to take part asked for more time.

"The deadline for submission will be extended by three months as potential developers sought more time," one of the sources said, adding the new date was June 20.

The EOI is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per year of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities.

The project is expected to be built on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost.

"We are getting huge response from companies," the second source said, adding companies from Japan, South Korea and India had indicated their interest.

The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million tonnes per year in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the EOI document.

The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing.

Bangladesh, which has a population of more than 160 million, is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues.

The South Asian country began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in the last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).

It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes online.

Bangladesh is extending the deadline by three months for companies to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Bangladesh is extending the deadline by three months for companies to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, the part of state-owned energy company Petrobangla that oversees LNG supplies, on Jan. 30 requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh. The initial EOIs were supposed to be due by March 20 but the companies hoping to take part asked for more time. "The deadline for submission will be extended by three months as potential developers sought more time," one of the sources said, adding the new date was June 20. The EOI is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per year of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities. The project is expected to be built on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost. "We are getting huge response from companies," the second source said, adding companies from Japan, South Korea and India had indicated their interest. The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million tonnes per year in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the EOI document. The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing. Bangladesh, which has a population of more than 160 million, is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues. The South Asian country began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in the last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes online.

Bangladesh extends deadline to submit plans for new LNG terminal

Bangladesh said Wednesday it would start relocating tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-militants-condemn-violence-in-refugee-camps-amid-reports-of-killings-203082">Rohingyas</a> from overcrowded camps to a remote island vulnerable to extreme weather, despite the plan attracting considerable controversy.

Shelters and floodwalls have been constructed on Bhashan Char, a muddy silt islet that only rose from the Bay of Bengal in 2006, in the hope of shifting 100,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/individuals-responsible-for-rohingya-atrocities-will-face-justice-international-criminal-court-202950">Rohingya refugees</a> there.

Bangladesh has been talking about the island for years and the plan to relocate some of the nearly one million Rohingya refugees living along its border with Myanmar has stalled many times.

The proposal to uproot the refugees remains unpopular among the Rohingya community and critics have raised concerns about the island's ability to withstand violent storms during the monsoon.

But Mozammel Huq, the head of Bangladesh's cabinet committee on law and order and a senior government minister, said the relocation would proceed as planned.

"We plan to start the process next month, as construction at Bhashan Char is now complete," he told AFP.

Kamal Hossain, the government administrator of Cox's Bazar district where the vast Rohingya camps are located, told AFP they were "preparing a list of refugees who would voluntarily go to the island".

'New crisis'

The island is one hour by boat from the nearest land and experts said it was too risky to house the refugees on the island as it is prone to flooding during storm surge.&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands have died in Bangladesh from cyclones in the last 50 years, mostly in coastal areas.

Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) high embankment around the island they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone.

But a top UN rights expert in January warned moving the refugees there could spark a "new crisis" for the persecuted minority.

Huq said the UN "should concentrate on the welfare of the Rohingya instead".

"It is up to Bangladesh to decide where we will keep the refugees," he said.

Aid groups have warned the refugees crammed into the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar are at risk of landslides, disease and floods.

The Rohingya fled Myanmar by droves in 2017 into Bangladesh, escaping a military-led crackdown the UN has said could amount to genocide.

An official from the International Criminal Court who visited the Rohingya camps this week said those responsible for their persecution would be held to account, despite Myanmar not being a signatory to the Hague-based court.

US ambassador Earl Miller met with Bangladesh government officials on Tuesday in Cox’s Bazar to "learn more" about the island relocation.

"He welcomed assurances that any movements to the island will be fully voluntary, based on informed consent, and those who choose to go will have free movement off the island to maintain connections with the rest of the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar," a statement from the US embassy said.

Bangladesh said Wednesday it would start relocating tens of thousands of Rohingyas from overcrowded camps to a remote island vulnerable to extreme weather, despite the plan attracting considerable controversy.

Bangladesh said Wednesday it would start relocating tens of thousands of Rohingyas from overcrowded camps to a remote island vulnerable to extreme weather, despite the plan attracting considerable controversy. Shelters and floodwalls have been constructed on Bhashan Char, a muddy silt islet that only rose from the Bay of Bengal in 2006, in the hope of shifting 100,000 Rohingya refugees there. Bangladesh has been talking about the island for years and the plan to relocate some of the nearly one million Rohingya refugees living along its border with Myanmar has stalled many times. The proposal to uproot the refugees remains unpopular among the Rohingya community and critics have raised concerns about the island's ability to withstand violent storms during the monsoon. But Mozammel Huq, the head of Bangladesh's cabinet committee on law and order and a senior government minister, said the relocation would proceed as planned. "We plan to start the process next month, as construction at Bhashan Char is now complete," he told AFP. Kamal Hossain, the government administrator of Cox's Bazar district where the vast Rohingya camps are located, told AFP they were "preparing a list of refugees who would voluntarily go to the island". 'New crisis' The island is one hour by boat from the nearest land and experts said it was too risky to house the refugees on the island as it is prone to flooding during storm surge. Hundreds of thousands have died in Bangladesh from cyclones in the last 50 years, mostly in coastal areas. Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) high embankment around the island they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone. But a top UN rights expert in January warned moving the refugees there could spark a "new crisis" for the persecuted minority. Huq said the UN "should concentrate on the welfare of the Rohingya instead". "It is up to Bangladesh to decide where we will keep the refugees," he said. Aid groups have warned the refugees crammed into the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar are at risk of landslides, disease and floods. The Rohingya fled Myanmar by droves in 2017 into Bangladesh, escaping a military-led crackdown the UN has said could amount to genocide. An official from the International Criminal Court who visited the Rohingya camps this week said those responsible for their persecution would be held to account, despite Myanmar not being a signatory to the Hague-based court. US ambassador Earl Miller met with Bangladesh government officials on Tuesday in Cox’s Bazar to "learn more" about the island relocation. "He welcomed assurances that any movements to the island will be fully voluntary, based on informed consent, and those who choose to go will have free movement off the island to maintain connections with the rest of the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar," a statement from the US embassy said.

Bangladesh to move Rohingya to island next month: Minister

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.&nbsp;

At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again.&nbsp;

"We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said.&nbsp;

Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six.

He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards.&nbsp;

"If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said.

"I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'.

"The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance."

Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer,&nbsp;was out for four.

Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12.

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Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> Day 4 REPORT 👇 <a href="https://t.co/licgcEG9LN">https://t.co/licgcEG9LN</a> <a href="https://t.co/pWXpVPVMlh">pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh</a>
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New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. 
 
Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> LIVE 👇 <a href="https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw">https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw</a> <a href="https://t.co/VfKzusYiD3">pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3</a>
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'It is hurting us'

Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt.

"It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said.

"They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us."

New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps.

Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson.

He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth.

But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur.

Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive.&nbsp;He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107.

Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move.&nbsp;

Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip.

When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow.

Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington. At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again. "We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said. Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six. He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards. "If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said. "I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'. "The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance." Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer, was out for four. Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12. Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.#NZvBAN Day 4 REPORT 👇 https://t.co/licgcEG9LN pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? #NZvBAN LIVE 👇 https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3 — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × 'It is hurting us' Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt. "It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said. "They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us." New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps. Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson. He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth. But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur. Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive. He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning. Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107. Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move. Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip. When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow. Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

NZvsBAN, 2nd Test: Ross Taylor's double ton raises New Zealand victory hopes in rain-hit Test

Bangladesh expects Saudi Arabia to invest $35 billion in infrastructure projects, its finance minister said on Thursday after meeting a visiting Saudi delegation.

He did not give a time frame but bilateral trade was currently only $1.4 billion a year, Saudi Commerce and Investment Minister and delegation head Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi said.

Ties between impoverished Bangladesh and oil-rich Saudi Arabia, both Muslim-majority countries, have strengthened in recent years and officials have agreed to form a joint council to consider an investment.

"We are here to explore all possibilities to expand business and investment, and I can assure you that we want to become the true partner of Bangladesh in developing trade and investment," Qasabi said.

Bangladesh Finance Minister AHM&nbsp;Mustafa Kamal said the projects would be in roads, rail, power and energy, tourism and hospitality, health, textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

Last year the South Asian country received $2.6 billion in remittances from 2.8 million of its citizens working in Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh expects Saudi Arabia to invest $35 billion in infrastructure projects, its finance minister said on Thursday after meeting a visiting Saudi delegation.

Bangladesh expects Saudi Arabia to invest $35 billion in infrastructure projects, its finance minister said on Thursday after meeting a visiting Saudi delegation. He did not give a time frame but bilateral trade was currently only $1.4 billion a year, Saudi Commerce and Investment Minister and delegation head Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi said. Ties between impoverished Bangladesh and oil-rich Saudi Arabia, both Muslim-majority countries, have strengthened in recent years and officials have agreed to form a joint council to consider an investment. "We are here to explore all possibilities to expand business and investment, and I can assure you that we want to become the true partner of Bangladesh in developing trade and investment," Qasabi said. Bangladesh Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the projects would be in roads, rail, power and energy, tourism and hospitality, health, textiles, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Last year the South Asian country received $2.6 billion in remittances from 2.8 million of its citizens working in Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh eyes $35 billion in Saudi investment but doesn't give time frame

Of world's 25 most polluted cities, 20 are Indian

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.

Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations.

“Part of the fencing is pending in West Bengal-Bangladesh bordering areas. We had held a meeting with the state government officials and they had assured that they will acquire land on which the fence was to be constructed. There is no delay from our side. If there is a delay, it is on the part of the West Bengal government,” said Singh.

The Home Minister was speaking at Assam’s Dhubri district while inaugurating the smart fence or the BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo- Bangladesh border.

Bengal shares 2216.70 km its border with Bangladesh. Of the total 2216.70 km, 913.080 km falls within in South Bengal frontier of BSF, of which 374 km is fenced and 538 km is unfenced. The portion of the border that falls under the North Bengal frontier is also unfenced.

Experts claim that land acquisition is a major obstacle in constructing these fences. Despite the Bengal government setting up a committee to acquire land, the delay seems that the 2019 deadline is likely to be missed.

Sources in the BSF say that a fence is the only way to put a check on cattle smuggling across the border. 
“There are some vulnerable spots through which the cattle smuggling takes place. These are mostly near the unfenced border. If we need to keep a check on cattle smuggling besides smuggling of illegal arms and fake Indian currency notes (FICN), fences need to be constructed,” said an official of BSF on anonymity.

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations.

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday blamed the West Bengal government for delay in fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Singh said that the Home Ministry had notified the Bengal government to acquire land so that fences could be constructed along the border between the two nations. “Part of the fencing is pending in West Bengal-Bangladesh bordering areas. We had held a meeting with the state government officials and they had assured that they will acquire land on which the fence was to be constructed. There is no delay from our side. If there is a delay, it is on the part of the West Bengal government,” said Singh. The Home Minister was speaking at Assam’s Dhubri district while inaugurating the smart fence or the BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo- Bangladesh border. Bengal shares 2216.70 km its border with Bangladesh. Of the total 2216.70 km, 913.080 km falls within in South Bengal frontier of BSF, of which 374 km is fenced and 538 km is unfenced. The portion of the border that falls under the North Bengal frontier is also unfenced. Experts claim that land acquisition is a major obstacle in constructing these fences. Despite the Bengal government setting up a committee to acquire land, the delay seems that the 2019 deadline is likely to be missed. Sources in the BSF say that a fence is the only way to put a check on cattle smuggling across the border. “There are some vulnerable spots through which the cattle smuggling takes place. These are mostly near the unfenced border. If we need to keep a check on cattle smuggling besides smuggling of illegal arms and fake Indian currency notes (FICN), fences need to be constructed,” said an official of BSF on anonymity.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh blames Bengal government for delay in fencing of Indo-Bangla border

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-crackdown-after-deadly-dhaka-inferno-200906">Bangladeshi authorities</a> on Tuesday barred Indian writer-activist Arundhati Roy for a second time from holding a discussion to be hosted by a government critic as police withdrew the permission for the venue.&nbsp;

The organisers of the talk titled 'Utmost Everything' were informed at 10 pm on Monday that permission for the Booker Prize-winning author's talk at the Krishibid Institute Auditorium, one of the venues of the photography exhibition Chobi Mela, was cancelled due to "unavoidable circumstances".&nbsp;

No further details were provided, the Chobi Mela Secretariat said in a statement.

The venue for the talk, scheduled for Tuesday evening, was later shifted to Midas Centre in the Bangladesh capital, it said in its email statement.&nbsp;

The invited guests were asked to join the function at 5.30 pm but as they started arriving at the venue, MIDAS staff informed them the programme was cancelled.&nbsp;

"MIDAS authorities just told us they could not allow us to stage the event due to lack of police clearance,"&nbsp;said Shahidul Alam, an anti-government activist known for his serious criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.&nbsp;

Roy's session was to be moderated by Alam, a photojournalist and festival director.

The activist-teacher was behind bars for over 100 days last year for expressing solidarity with students protesting Dhaka's dismal road safety infrastructure.&nbsp;

This is the 10th edition of Chobi Mela, touted to be one of the most prestigious photography festivals in Asia. It features 33 exhibitions with works from 44 artists from 21 countries.&nbsp;

The festival that began on February 28 this year has the spotlight on the production, compilation, reminiscence, physical existence and social responsibility of archives in a global context, the Chobi Mela statement said.&nbsp;

"Chobi Mela has and will continue to be about bringing people together and, more importantly, bringing them to Bangladesh," Alam, who is currently out on bail, said.

The festival is scheduled to continue till March 9.&nbsp;

Bangladeshi authorities on Tuesday barred Indian writer-activist Arundhati Roy for a second time from holding a discussion to be hosted by a government critic as police withdrew the permission for the venue.

Bangladeshi authorities on Tuesday barred Indian writer-activist Arundhati Roy for a second time from holding a discussion to be hosted by a government critic as police withdrew the permission for the venue. The organisers of the talk titled 'Utmost Everything' were informed at 10 pm on Monday that permission for the Booker Prize-winning author's talk at the Krishibid Institute Auditorium, one of the venues of the photography exhibition Chobi Mela, was cancelled due to "unavoidable circumstances". No further details were provided, the Chobi Mela Secretariat said in a statement. The venue for the talk, scheduled for Tuesday evening, was later shifted to Midas Centre in the Bangladesh capital, it said in its email statement. The invited guests were asked to join the function at 5.30 pm but as they started arriving at the venue, MIDAS staff informed them the programme was cancelled. "MIDAS authorities just told us they could not allow us to stage the event due to lack of police clearance," said Shahidul Alam, an anti-government activist known for his serious criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Roy's session was to be moderated by Alam, a photojournalist and festival director. The activist-teacher was behind bars for over 100 days last year for expressing solidarity with students protesting Dhaka's dismal road safety infrastructure. This is the 10th edition of Chobi Mela, touted to be one of the most prestigious photography festivals in Asia. It features 33 exhibitions with works from 44 artists from 21 countries. The festival that began on February 28 this year has the spotlight on the production, compilation, reminiscence, physical existence and social responsibility of archives in a global context, the Chobi Mela statement said. "Chobi Mela has and will continue to be about bringing people together and, more importantly, bringing them to Bangladesh," Alam, who is currently out on bail, said. The festival is scheduled to continue till March 9.

Dhaka Police revoke nod to Arundhati Roy talk

Bangladesh is cracking down on chemical warehouses in a historic Dhaka district a week after a fire killed 70 people in buildings used for deodorant and plastics storage, an official said Sunday.

Five task forces led by military officers, police and officials have raided Old Dhaka buildings and cut off utilities to at least 50 buildings in the past three days after chemical warehouses were found in their basement and under floors.

The owners of the buildings have been ordered to relocate the flammable chemicals to safer places outside the capital as part of the initiative launched on Thursday.

"We are determined there will be no flammable chemical warehouses in any Old Dhaka residential area," Dhaka's mayor Sayeed Khokon told AFP.

He said the drive would continue until April 1.

The crackdown is in response to a massive fire which broke out on February 21 at Chawkbazar, a 300-year-old historic Old Dhaka district, killing at least 70 people and injuring another 50.

Fire service officials said a warehouse of deodorant and granular plastic in one of the five buildings that caught fire fuelled the inferno, which took more than 12 hours to control.&nbsp;

The disaster recalled a June 2010 fire in the nearby neighbourhood of Nimtoli in which 123 people were killed. Again a blaze ripped through residential buildings that doubled as chemical warehouses.&nbsp;

Residents said chemical storage is a lucrative business in Old Dhaka, which was founded by the Mughals in 1608, where building owners allegedly bribe authorities to turn a blind eye to the stores.

On Saturday the taskforce faced resistance from Old Dhaka traders, prompting the authorities to halt the drive for several hours. It resumed after intervention by the mayor.&nbsp;

According to one survey conducted in 2015, some 70 per cent of Old Dhaka residential buildings, home to three million people, are used to hoard chemicals and other goods.

"In our estimate, there are 20,000-25,000 chemical warehouses and factories in Old Dhaka," Abu Naser Khan, president of local environmental rights group Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) told AFP.

"Each of this warehouse is a ticking time bomb. Chemicals are stored haphazardly there without following any proper guidelines. There will be more disasters if these warehouses continue to remain there," he said.

The city authorities launched a similar drive after the 2010 fire, but it ground to a halt following pressures from business owners.

Bangladesh is cracking down on chemical warehouses in a historic Dhaka district a week after a fire killed 70 people in buildings used for deodorant and plastics storage, an official said Sunday.

Bangladesh is cracking down on chemical warehouses in a historic Dhaka district a week after a fire killed 70 people in buildings used for deodorant and plastics storage, an official said Sunday. Five task forces led by military officers, police and officials have raided Old Dhaka buildings and cut off utilities to at least 50 buildings in the past three days after chemical warehouses were found in their basement and under floors. The owners of the buildings have been ordered to relocate the flammable chemicals to safer places outside the capital as part of the initiative launched on Thursday. "We are determined there will be no flammable chemical warehouses in any Old Dhaka residential area," Dhaka's mayor Sayeed Khokon told AFP. He said the drive would continue until April 1. The crackdown is in response to a massive fire which broke out on February 21 at Chawkbazar, a 300-year-old historic Old Dhaka district, killing at least 70 people and injuring another 50. Fire service officials said a warehouse of deodorant and granular plastic in one of the five buildings that caught fire fuelled the inferno, which took more than 12 hours to control. The disaster recalled a June 2010 fire in the nearby neighbourhood of Nimtoli in which 123 people were killed. Again a blaze ripped through residential buildings that doubled as chemical warehouses. Residents said chemical storage is a lucrative business in Old Dhaka, which was founded by the Mughals in 1608, where building owners allegedly bribe authorities to turn a blind eye to the stores. On Saturday the taskforce faced resistance from Old Dhaka traders, prompting the authorities to halt the drive for several hours. It resumed after intervention by the mayor. According to one survey conducted in 2015, some 70 per cent of Old Dhaka residential buildings, home to three million people, are used to hoard chemicals and other goods. "In our estimate, there are 20,000-25,000 chemical warehouses and factories in Old Dhaka," Abu Naser Khan, president of local environmental rights group Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) told AFP. "Each of this warehouse is a ticking time bomb. Chemicals are stored haphazardly there without following any proper guidelines. There will be more disasters if these warehouses continue to remain there," he said. The city authorities launched a similar drive after the 2010 fire, but it ground to a halt following pressures from business owners.

Bangladesh crackdown after deadly Dhaka inferno

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