Rakhine insurgents killed 13 policemen and injured nine in attacks on four police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state on Friday as the country marked Independence Day, the official news agency said.

Fighting resurged in Rakhine state in early December between government forces and the rebel Arakan Army, which wants greater autonomy for Rakhine, where the mainly Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group makes up the majority. The Arakan Army does not cite religion as a factor in its insurgency.

It was also in the restive western state that a military-led crackdown in 2017, following attacks by Rohingya Muslim insurgents, prompted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee westwards to neighbouring Bangladesh.

The separate conflict between the military and Arakan Army rebels forced 2,500 civilians from their homes by the end of last year, according to the United Nations.

The Arakan Army says it has been fighting for nearly a decade for self-determination in "the land of Arakan," another name for Rakhine. An independent kingdom ruled in the coastal area until the 18th century.

The Arakan Army is one of multiple armed groups fighting in the name of ethnic minorities in the rugged borderlands of Myanmar, a country once known as Burma where around 90 per cent of people are Buddhists.

The official Myanmar News Agency said four police posts in the Buthidaung area in northern Rakhine came under attack from hundreds of Arakan Army fighters after daybreak on Friday.

Thirteen policemen were killed and nine injured as police were forced to abandon two of the posts, it said, adding that the military was now conducting a "clearance" of the area.

Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the insurgents had hit police outposts near the border with Bangladesh.

"These police posts are there to protect the national races in the area so (Arakan Army rebels) shouldn't attack them," Zaw Min Tun said, referring to mostly Buddhist ethnic groups in the area who are, unlike Rohingya Muslims, considered Myanmar citizens.

Arakan Army spokesman Khine Thu Kha confirmed the assault and said rebels later retrieved the corpses of seven "enemies".

He said later that rebels had freed at least 12 members of the security forces it detained in the fighting.

The attacks, he added, came in response to a Myanmar military offensive against the Arakan Army in recent weeks that had also targeted civilians. The military has denied targeting civilians.

The Myanmar military last month announced a four-month halt to fighting in the north and northeast of the country to kick-start peace talks with armed groups seeking autonomy, but that announcement excluded Rakhine state.

The Myanmar police force said on Saturday it had opened cases against those involved in Friday's attack under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law and a weapons law.

"This is a carefully planned premeditated attack to harm the lives and property of the people and to further aggravate the instability in the Rakhine State," the English-language Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said on Saturday.

Friday's violence erupted shortly after the national flag was raised across the southeast Asian country to mark 71 years since independence from Britain, but the Arakan Army spokesman denied any connection between the attacks and the anniversary.

"We are not independent yet. Today is not our Independence Day," Khine Thu Kha said.

Last August, a U.N. report accused the Myanmar military of mass killings and rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to Bangladesh, according to U.N. agencies.

Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants.

Rakhine insurgents killed 13 policemen and injured nine in attacks on four police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state on Friday as the country marked Independence Day, the official news agency said.

Rakhine insurgents killed 13 policemen and injured nine in attacks on four police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state on Friday as the country marked Independence Day, the official news agency said. Fighting resurged in Rakhine state in early December between government forces and the rebel Arakan Army, which wants greater autonomy for Rakhine, where the mainly Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group makes up the majority. The Arakan Army does not cite religion as a factor in its insurgency. It was also in the restive western state that a military-led crackdown in 2017, following attacks by Rohingya Muslim insurgents, prompted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee westwards to neighbouring Bangladesh. The separate conflict between the military and Arakan Army rebels forced 2,500 civilians from their homes by the end of last year, according to the United Nations. The Arakan Army says it has been fighting for nearly a decade for self-determination in "the land of Arakan," another name for Rakhine. An independent kingdom ruled in the coastal area until the 18th century. The Arakan Army is one of multiple armed groups fighting in the name of ethnic minorities in the rugged borderlands of Myanmar, a country once known as Burma where around 90 per cent of people are Buddhists. The official Myanmar News Agency said four police posts in the Buthidaung area in northern Rakhine came under attack from hundreds of Arakan Army fighters after daybreak on Friday. Thirteen policemen were killed and nine injured as police were forced to abandon two of the posts, it said, adding that the military was now conducting a "clearance" of the area. Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the insurgents had hit police outposts near the border with Bangladesh. "These police posts are there to protect the national races in the area so (Arakan Army rebels) shouldn't attack them," Zaw Min Tun said, referring to mostly Buddhist ethnic groups in the area who are, unlike Rohingya Muslims, considered Myanmar citizens. Arakan Army spokesman Khine Thu Kha confirmed the assault and said rebels later retrieved the corpses of seven "enemies". He said later that rebels had freed at least 12 members of the security forces it detained in the fighting. The attacks, he added, came in response to a Myanmar military offensive against the Arakan Army in recent weeks that had also targeted civilians. The military has denied targeting civilians. The Myanmar military last month announced a four-month halt to fighting in the north and northeast of the country to kick-start peace talks with armed groups seeking autonomy, but that announcement excluded Rakhine state. The Myanmar police force said on Saturday it had opened cases against those involved in Friday's attack under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law and a weapons law. "This is a carefully planned premeditated attack to harm the lives and property of the people and to further aggravate the instability in the Rakhine State," the English-language Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said on Saturday. Friday's violence erupted shortly after the national flag was raised across the southeast Asian country to mark 71 years since independence from Britain, but the Arakan Army spokesman denied any connection between the attacks and the anniversary. "We are not independent yet. Today is not our Independence Day," Khine Thu Kha said. Last August, a U.N. report accused the Myanmar military of mass killings and rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to Bangladesh, according to U.N. agencies. Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants.

Rakhine rebels kill 13 in Independence Day attack on Myanmar police posts

Bangladesh police on Saturday found the bullet-ridden bodies of two alleged Rohingya drug dealers in a southeastern coastal town notorious for its connection with the Myanmar meth trade.

Teknaf town police chief Prodip Kumar Das said the bodies were found lying next to a highway beside the sea and some 10,000 meth pills were recovered from their possession.

"Both of these refugees were... notorious drug dealers in the region. We're suspecting they were killed in a gang fight over sharing profits," he said.

The police said they were investigating the deaths but did not provide further information on the two men.

Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state since August 2017 and joined some 300,000 refugees already living in squalid camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district.

Bangladeshi authorities say local kingpins use the refugees -- trapped in poverty and unlikely to return home any time soon -- to transport "yaba" pills which are made in Myanmar meth labs.&nbsp;

Yaba is a methamphetamine-based, caffeine-cut stimulant that translates as "crazy medicine".

The coastal town on the Naf river that divides the two neighbours is a key entry point through which yaba enters the South Asian nation's multi-million dollar drug market.

In May Bangladesh launched a violent anti-drug crackdown which saw the deaths of at least 250 drug dealers, including 26 in Teknaf in the last three months.

Experts have compared the campaign with the Filipino anti-drug war of Rodrigo Duterte, in which police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged users and pushers -- although rights groups say the toll is at least triple that.

Bangladesh police on Saturday found the bullet-ridden bodies of two alleged Rohingya drug dealers in a southeastern coastal town notorious for its connection with the Myanmar meth trade.

Bangladesh police on Saturday found the bullet-ridden bodies of two alleged Rohingya drug dealers in a southeastern coastal town notorious for its connection with the Myanmar meth trade. Teknaf town police chief Prodip Kumar Das said the bodies were found lying next to a highway beside the sea and some 10,000 meth pills were recovered from their possession. "Both of these refugees were... notorious drug dealers in the region. We're suspecting they were killed in a gang fight over sharing profits," he said. The police said they were investigating the deaths but did not provide further information on the two men. Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state since August 2017 and joined some 300,000 refugees already living in squalid camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. Bangladeshi authorities say local kingpins use the refugees -- trapped in poverty and unlikely to return home any time soon -- to transport "yaba" pills which are made in Myanmar meth labs. Yaba is a methamphetamine-based, caffeine-cut stimulant that translates as "crazy medicine". The coastal town on the Naf river that divides the two neighbours is a key entry point through which yaba enters the South Asian nation's multi-million dollar drug market. In May Bangladesh launched a violent anti-drug crackdown which saw the deaths of at least 250 drug dealers, including 26 in Teknaf in the last three months. Experts have compared the campaign with the Filipino anti-drug war of Rodrigo Duterte, in which police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged users and pushers -- although rights groups say the toll is at least triple that.

Two alleged Rohingya drug dealers found dead in Bangladesh

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">election in Bangladesh</a> in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities.&nbsp;

Hasina's ruling alliance won more than 90 per cent of the seats contested in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-asks-bangladesh-political-parties-to-ensure-peaceful-post-electoral-environment-187907">Sunday's election</a>, which was marred by accusations of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and violence that killed at least 19 people.&nbsp;

Opponents rejected the election result but Hasina and her Awami League have denied any impropriety, saying that the vote was peaceful and there was enthusiastic participation from her supporters.

"We urge the authorities to carry out prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged acts of violence and human rights violations related to the elections, with a view to holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations," the United Nations said.

On Thursday, newly elected members of parliament, including Hasina, were sworn in, but the seven opposition members stayed away, saying the results were rigged and calling for a new election.

"There are worrying indications that reprisals have continued to take place, notably against the political opposition, including physical attacks and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases," the United Nations said.

"Reports suggest that violent attacks and intimidation, including against minorities, have been disproportionately carried out by ruling party activists, at times with complicity or involvement of law enforcement officers."

The United Nations called on the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further reprisals, and to ensure that law enforcement authorities exercised their powers in accordance with the rule of law.

It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to play an independent and proactive role.

Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned the election-day violence and called for an investigation into a range of irregularities.&nbsp;

On Thursday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said the run-up to the vote was characterised by "violence and intimidation against the opposition ... and the misuse of laws to limit free speech".&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 election in Bangladesh in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities.

The United Nations on Friday called for an independent and impartial investigation into the December 30 election in Bangladesh in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a third straight term amid accusations of violence and voting irregularities. Hasina's ruling alliance won more than 90 per cent of the seats contested in Sunday's election, which was marred by accusations of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and violence that killed at least 19 people. Opponents rejected the election result but Hasina and her Awami League have denied any impropriety, saying that the vote was peaceful and there was enthusiastic participation from her supporters. "We urge the authorities to carry out prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged acts of violence and human rights violations related to the elections, with a view to holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations," the United Nations said. On Thursday, newly elected members of parliament, including Hasina, were sworn in, but the seven opposition members stayed away, saying the results were rigged and calling for a new election. "There are worrying indications that reprisals have continued to take place, notably against the political opposition, including physical attacks and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases," the United Nations said. "Reports suggest that violent attacks and intimidation, including against minorities, have been disproportionately carried out by ruling party activists, at times with complicity or involvement of law enforcement officers." The United Nations called on the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further reprisals, and to ensure that law enforcement authorities exercised their powers in accordance with the rule of law. It also urged the National Human Rights Commission to play an independent and proactive role. Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have condemned the election-day violence and called for an investigation into a range of irregularities. On Thursday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said the run-up to the vote was characterised by "violence and intimidation against the opposition ... and the misuse of laws to limit free speech".

UN calls for probe into Bangladesh elections

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina to take oath on January 7, 2019.

Hasina will be sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fourth time at Bangabhaban – the official residence and office of the Bangladesh President. Besides Hasina, other cabinet ministers will also take the oath.

“The swearing ceremony of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and cabinet members will be held at Bangabhaban at 3.30pm on Monday i.e. January 7, 2019,” informed President Abdul Hamid’s press secretary Joynal Abedin.

The announcement came in the wake of President Hamid extending an invite to Hasina to form the government after Awami League appeared as the single largest party securing 288 of the total 298 seats. Elections were held to 298 of the total 300 seats in Bangladesh on December 30, after polls were cancelled in one seat (Brahmanberia -2) and were deferred in one seat (Gaibandha) due to the demise of the BNP candidate.

Earlier in the day, elected Awami League members and party President Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as the members of Parliament. The swearing in ceremony was held at the Oath room of the Parliament.

As many as 257 Awami League members took oath alongside 22 Awami League alliance partner Jatiya Party members. Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina also took oath as the member of Parliament today.

The Parliament speaker Shirin Chaudhury administered the oath ceremony.

However, opposition members stayed away from the oath ceremony. The opposition alliance – Jaitya Oikya Front managed to secure seven seats – five were bagged by BNP and two by Gono Forum.

On the same day, a seven-member delegation of the Jatiya Oikya Front led by BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda demanding fresh elections under a caretaker and a non-partisan government.

Similar demands were raised by the opposition alliance demanding fresh elections. However, the election commission of Bangladesh had turned it down.

The 11th general elections to Bangladesh were held on December 30, 2018.&nbsp;

The elections were marred by violent clashes between the ruling Awami League and the opposition party – BNP members. As many as 18 people lost their lives in the violent clashes.

Two civilians who had gone to cast their vote were caught amidst a crossfire and succumbed to bullet injuries later. Security personnel belonging to the Ansar force was also killed while bringing a situation under control on the day of the polling.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina to take oath on January 7, 2019. Hasina will be sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fourth time at Bangabhaban – the official residence and office of the Bangladesh President.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina to take oath on January 7, 2019. Hasina will be sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fourth time at Bangabhaban – the official residence and office of the Bangladesh President. Besides Hasina, other cabinet ministers will also take the oath. “The swearing ceremony of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and cabinet members will be held at Bangabhaban at 3.30pm on Monday i.e. January 7, 2019,” informed President Abdul Hamid’s press secretary Joynal Abedin. The announcement came in the wake of President Hamid extending an invite to Hasina to form the government after Awami League appeared as the single largest party securing 288 of the total 298 seats. Elections were held to 298 of the total 300 seats in Bangladesh on December 30, after polls were cancelled in one seat (Brahmanberia -2) and were deferred in one seat (Gaibandha) due to the demise of the BNP candidate. Earlier in the day, elected Awami League members and party President Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as the members of Parliament. The swearing in ceremony was held at the Oath room of the Parliament. As many as 257 Awami League members took oath alongside 22 Awami League alliance partner Jatiya Party members. Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina also took oath as the member of Parliament today. The Parliament speaker Shirin Chaudhury administered the oath ceremony. However, opposition members stayed away from the oath ceremony. The opposition alliance – Jaitya Oikya Front managed to secure seven seats – five were bagged by BNP and two by Gono Forum. On the same day, a seven-member delegation of the Jatiya Oikya Front led by BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda demanding fresh elections under a caretaker and a non-partisan government. Similar demands were raised by the opposition alliance demanding fresh elections. However, the election commission of Bangladesh had turned it down. The 11th general elections to Bangladesh were held on December 30, 2018. The elections were marred by violent clashes between the ruling Awami League and the opposition party – BNP members. As many as 18 people lost their lives in the violent clashes. Two civilians who had gone to cast their vote were caught amidst a crossfire and succumbed to bullet injuries later. Security personnel belonging to the Ansar force was also killed while bringing a situation under control on the day of the polling.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina to take oath on January 7

A joint delegation of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Tripura government will be visiting Bangladesh this month to study the possibility of building a new waterway connecting the two countries, an official said Wednesday.

A three-member technical team, comprising two IWAI members and an engineer from the state water resource department, will carry out spot assessment at Daudkandi area in Comilla district of Bangladesh, Additional Transport Secretary Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya said.

The proposed waterway on rivers Gomati and Meghna will connect Ashuganj river port in eastern Bangladesh with Sonamura in Sipahijala district of Tripura, he told PTI.

"As a first step, dredging will have to be carried out on both sides (India and Bangladesh) to increase navigability of medium-sized vessels, which can carry at least 10 to 25 tonne of goods," Bhattacharya said.

Last month, a technical team of IWAI had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biplab-debs-word-of-wisdom-list-of-absurd-statements-by-tripura-cm-162126">Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb</a> had also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi in December, seeking expedition of the project.

The waterway, once ready, will ease transportation of goods to Sonamura town of Tripura from Bangladesh, Deb had told reporters. 
&nbsp;

Last month, a technical team of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project.

A joint delegation of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Tripura government will be visiting Bangladesh this month to study the possibility of building a new waterway connecting the two countries, an official said Wednesday. A three-member technical team, comprising two IWAI members and an engineer from the state water resource department, will carry out spot assessment at Daudkandi area in Comilla district of Bangladesh, Additional Transport Secretary Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya said. The proposed waterway on rivers Gomati and Meghna will connect Ashuganj river port in eastern Bangladesh with Sonamura in Sipahijala district of Tripura, he told PTI. "As a first step, dredging will have to be carried out on both sides (India and Bangladesh) to increase navigability of medium-sized vessels, which can carry at least 10 to 25 tonne of goods," Bhattacharya said. Last month, a technical team of IWAI had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi in December, seeking expedition of the project. The waterway, once ready, will ease transportation of goods to Sonamura town of Tripura from Bangladesh, Deb had told reporters.

Three-member team to visit Bangladesh for inland waterway project connecting two countries

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's socio-economic development flourished a great deal under Hasina's decade-long rule and so was the case with the deepening relationship with neighbouring India.&nbsp;

PM Hasina's continuance in power is strategically important for India as her definitive stand on Islamic fundamentalists and extremists echoes with India's security interests.

PM Hasina's leadership has also maintained a sensitive stance toward India’s concerns about the northeast militancy fostered by ISI-backed Islamists operating from Bangladesh during the opposition BNP-Jamaat regime. With PM Hasina assuming power a decade ago, a serious crackdown was initiated which led to a considerable reduction of militancy in Northeastern states like Tripura and Meghalaya.&nbsp;

High-level visits from both sides led to steady growth in the Indo-Bangladesh ties. Last year, the two countries launched a series of developmental projects while complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved.

The construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line were the highlights among all initiatives jointly taken by PM Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart in 2018.

The two countries also inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. However, the issue of Teesta water sharing issue remained unresolved.

But China's play in&nbsp;South Asia's political dynamics cannot be ruled out. China is Bangladesh’s major trading partner and the latter is one of the important determinants in former's key Belt and Road plan.&nbsp;

Earlier last month, a Chinese-Bangladeshi joint venture signed a deal with the Bangladeshi government to build a mega expressway. The project has been pegged as Bangladesh's first major public-private partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at boosting the nation's economic and infrastructural development and promote employment, a Chinese media report stated.&nbsp;

With PM Hasina in for another term, political analysts and experts predict India-Bangladesh ties to further flourish. However, the immediate task at hand for New Delhi is to keep Dhaka away from making any binary choices, especially with China's growing power and influence in South Asia.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation. Bangladesh's socio-economic development flourished a great deal under Hasina's decade-long rule and so was the case with the deepening relationship with neighbouring India. PM Hasina's continuance in power is strategically important for India as her definitive stand on Islamic fundamentalists and extremists echoes with India's security interests. PM Hasina's leadership has also maintained a sensitive stance toward India’s concerns about the northeast militancy fostered by ISI-backed Islamists operating from Bangladesh during the opposition BNP-Jamaat regime. With PM Hasina assuming power a decade ago, a serious crackdown was initiated which led to a considerable reduction of militancy in Northeastern states like Tripura and Meghalaya. High-level visits from both sides led to steady growth in the Indo-Bangladesh ties. Last year, the two countries launched a series of developmental projects while complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved. The construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line were the highlights among all initiatives jointly taken by PM Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart in 2018. The two countries also inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. However, the issue of Teesta water sharing issue remained unresolved. But China's play in South Asia's political dynamics cannot be ruled out. China is Bangladesh’s major trading partner and the latter is one of the important determinants in former's key Belt and Road plan. Earlier last month, a Chinese-Bangladeshi joint venture signed a deal with the Bangladeshi government to build a mega expressway. The project has been pegged as Bangladesh's first major public-private partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at boosting the nation's economic and infrastructural development and promote employment, a Chinese media report stated. With PM Hasina in for another term, political analysts and experts predict India-Bangladesh ties to further flourish. However, the immediate task at hand for New Delhi is to keep Dhaka away from making any binary choices, especially with China's growing power and influence in South Asia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With eye on China, New Delhi needs to keep Dhaka away from making binary choices

Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina on Monday said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) lost the 11th General Elections of the country as the alliance was indulging in "criminal activities".

While speaking to journalists and foreign observers at her 'Ganabhaban' residence, Hasina said that the opposition alliance won fewer seats in the polls as they did not nominate eligible candidates, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

Hasina's Awami League-led Grand Alliance, which includes 14 parties in total, won 288 seats out of 300 seats, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP helmed Jatiya Oikya Front"&gt;Jatiya Oikya Front suffered a massive rout by bagging only seven seats in total, according to The Daily Star.

She said that the people of Bangladesh have reposed their faith in the Awami League and voted for the party again because of various development works carried out by her government.

Responding to allegations of rigging and ballot stuffing, Hasina said that she advocated for a transparent manner of voting as the people would feel free to exercise their franchise.

Polling for the 11th General Elections began at early morning on Sunday at around 8 am and continued till 4 pm in the evening.

Despite tight security arrangements, violence was reported from various pockets of Bangladesh claiming 18 lives in total and injuring around 200 people.&nbsp; 
Moreover, nine people were arrested in poll-related violence from across the nation.

As the counting process was underway on Sunday and showed Hasina's party leading the way, the Jatiya Oikya Front called the polls a "farce", alleging that it was completely rigged, demanding re-election.&nbsp;

However, the Bangladesh Election Commission rejected their claims, ruling out any chance of re-election. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina on Monday said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) lost the 11th General Elections of the country as the alliance was indulging in "criminal activities".

Awami League Chief Sheikh Hasina on Monday said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) lost the 11th General Elections of the country as the alliance was indulging in "criminal activities". While speaking to journalists and foreign observers at her 'Ganabhaban' residence, Hasina said that the opposition alliance won fewer seats in the polls as they did not nominate eligible candidates, according to Bangladeshi media reports. Hasina's Awami League-led Grand Alliance, which includes 14 parties in total, won 288 seats out of 300 seats, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP helmed Jatiya Oikya Front">Jatiya Oikya Front suffered a massive rout by bagging only seven seats in total, according to The Daily Star. She said that the people of Bangladesh have reposed their faith in the Awami League and voted for the party again because of various development works carried out by her government. Responding to allegations of rigging and ballot stuffing, Hasina said that she advocated for a transparent manner of voting as the people would feel free to exercise their franchise. Polling for the 11th General Elections began at early morning on Sunday at around 8 am and continued till 4 pm in the evening. Despite tight security arrangements, violence was reported from various pockets of Bangladesh claiming 18 lives in total and injuring around 200 people. Moreover, nine people were arrested in poll-related violence from across the nation. As the counting process was underway on Sunday and showed Hasina's party leading the way, the Jatiya Oikya Front called the polls a "farce", alleging that it was completely rigged, demanding re-election. However, the Bangladesh Election Commission rejected their claims, ruling out any chance of re-election.

National Unity Front lost due to 'criminal activities': Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jatiya-oikya-front-lost-due-to-criminal-activities-sheikh-hasina-187627">newly elected Bangladesh lawmakers</a> will be sworn in on January 3 at the Jatiya Sangsad here.

The Parliament Secretariat confirmed the news on Tuesday, reports The Daily Star. The exact time of the swearing-in has not been announced yet.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose alliance secured only seven seats during Sunday's Presidential elections, has refused to take part in the oath-taking.

The 11th parliamentary elections were held in Bangladesh on December 30, amid violence that claimed the lives of 19 people across the nation.

The Awami League-led Grand Alliance secured a landslide victory, winning a massive 288 seats. The President of the Bangladesh Awami League party, Sheikh Hasina, is also the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh and it will be her third term in office when sworn-in.

The new government will be formed by January 28, which is also the day that the current government`s term ends.&nbsp;

The newly elected Bangladesh lawmakers will be sworn in on January 3 at the Jatiya Sangsad here. The Parliament Secretariat confirmed the news on Tuesday, reports The Daily Star.

The newly elected Bangladesh lawmakers will be sworn in on January 3 at the Jatiya Sangsad here. The Parliament Secretariat confirmed the news on Tuesday, reports The Daily Star. The exact time of the swearing-in has not been announced yet. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose alliance secured only seven seats during Sunday's Presidential elections, has refused to take part in the oath-taking. The 11th parliamentary elections were held in Bangladesh on December 30, amid violence that claimed the lives of 19 people across the nation. The Awami League-led Grand Alliance secured a landslide victory, winning a massive 288 seats. The President of the Bangladesh Awami League party, Sheikh Hasina, is also the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh and it will be her third term in office when sworn-in. The new government will be formed by January 28, which is also the day that the current government`s term ends.

Bangladesh: Lawmakers to be sworn in on January 3

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasinas-party-registers-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-polls-187416">Bangladesh PM Hasina's party registers landslide victory in parliamentary polls</a>

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election, news agency AFP reported citing local media reports.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-destroy-is-before-leaving-syria-says-top-republican-187411">Trump vows to 'destroy' IS before leaving Syria, says top Republican</a>

Senior Republican senator Lindsey Graham said Sunday that President Donald Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of destroying the Islamic State group -- just days after announcing he would be withdrawing troops immediately.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-riots-case-sajjan-kumar-likely-to-surrender-today-187418">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar likely to surrender today</a>

The 73-year-old Congress leader, Sajjan Kumar, who was awarded life sentenced by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, is expected to surrender before Karkardooma Court or Tihar jail authorities on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-to-be-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-today-187412">Triple Talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today</a>

The&nbsp;Triple Talaq Bill&nbsp;that makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband, is set to be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Monday by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-fall-petrol-at-rs-6884-in-delhi-and-rs-7447-in-mumbai-187417">Fuel prices continue to fall; petrol at Rs 68.84 in Delhi and Rs 74.47 in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Monday with petrol selling at Rs 68.84 per litre in the national capital and for Rs 74.47 per litre in Mumbai.

Bangladesh PM Hasina's party registers landslide victory in parliamentary polls Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election, news agency AFP reported citing local media reports.

Bangladesh PM Hasina's party registers landslide victory in parliamentary polls Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election, news agency AFP reported citing local media reports. Trump vows to 'destroy' IS before leaving Syria, says top Republican Senior Republican senator Lindsey Graham said Sunday that President Donald Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of destroying the Islamic State group -- just days after announcing he would be withdrawing troops immediately. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar likely to surrender today The 73-year-old Congress leader, Sajjan Kumar, who was awarded life sentenced by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, is expected to surrender before Karkardooma Court or Tihar jail authorities on Monday. Triple Talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today The Triple Talaq Bill that makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband, is set to be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Monday by Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Fuel prices continue to fall; petrol at Rs 68.84 in Delhi and Rs 74.47 in Mumbai Fuel prices in the country continued to witness a slump on Monday with petrol selling at Rs 68.84 per litre in the national capital and for Rs 74.47 per litre in Mumbai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">Bangladesh polls: Voting held in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">peaceful</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">call</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">re poll</a>

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter</a>

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-ex-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-surrenders-before-delhis-karkardooma-court-187501">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail</a>

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-dozens-missing-after-gas-explosion-hits-russia-high-rise-187531">4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise</a>

Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhana-wins-icc-womens-cricketer-of-the-year-187494">India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year</a>

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide. Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. 4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve. India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasinas-party-registers-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-polls-187416">winning a third consecutive term</a> in the parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out.

The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority.&nbsp;

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Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. <a href="https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte">https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079630856652759040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read.

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Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. 
 
Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1079628942221312001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat.&nbsp;

According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections. PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations. PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported. "Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out. The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority. Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × "He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read. Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2018 × "The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat. According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.

Our ties will continue to flourish under her leadership: PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Hasina on parliamentary win 

Dhaka residents woke up on Monday to the news of Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasinas-party-registers-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-polls-187416">Sheikh Hasina's election victory</a> giving her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged.

Local residents reading the morning newspapers said they were happy with the result and looked forward to the country further developing under Hasina's leadership.

Hasina's win consolidated her decade-long rule over Bangladesh, where she is credited with improving the economy and promoting development but has also been accused of rampant human rights abuses, a crackdown on the media and suppressing dissent. She denies such charges.

Opposition leader Kamal Hossain said their alliance, the National Unity Front led by the BNP, had called on the Election Commission to order a fresh vote under a neutral administration "as soon as possible", alleging Sunday's poll was flawed.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's alliance won Bangladesh's election with a thumping majority, giving her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged.

The alliance dominated by her Awami League, seen as close to regional power India, won 287 of the 298 seats for which results have been declared, the commission said. There are 300 constituencies in the country.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last poll in 2014, won just six seats.

Raising minimum wages for workers in Bangladesh's massive garments industry, the world's second biggest after China, could be one of her first tasks after she takes office, party leaders have said. Hasina will meet foreign journalists and poll observers at her official residence later on Monday.

Dhaka residents woke up on Monday to the news of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's election victory giving her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged.

Dhaka residents woke up on Monday to the news of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's election victory giving her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged. Local residents reading the morning newspapers said they were happy with the result and looked forward to the country further developing under Hasina's leadership. Hasina's win consolidated her decade-long rule over Bangladesh, where she is credited with improving the economy and promoting development but has also been accused of rampant human rights abuses, a crackdown on the media and suppressing dissent. She denies such charges. Opposition leader Kamal Hossain said their alliance, the National Unity Front led by the BNP, had called on the Election Commission to order a fresh vote under a neutral administration "as soon as possible", alleging Sunday's poll was flawed. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's alliance won Bangladesh's election with a thumping majority, giving her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged. The alliance dominated by her Awami League, seen as close to regional power India, won 287 of the 298 seats for which results have been declared, the commission said. There are 300 constituencies in the country. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last poll in 2014, won just six seats. Raising minimum wages for workers in Bangladesh's massive garments industry, the world's second biggest after China, could be one of her first tasks after she takes office, party leaders have said. Hasina will meet foreign journalists and poll observers at her official residence later on Monday.

Dhaka residents hope for development after PM Sheikh Hasina's election win

Bangladesh went to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polls-open-in-bangladesh-general-election-187274"> polls on Sunday</a> after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-dead-in-bangladesh-election-day-clashes-police-187288">violence-plagued campaigning</a>, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina confident of a third straight term in a face-off against an opposition whose leader is in jail charged with corruption.

Mobile internet was blocked and the streets of the capital were largely deserted as many had left to vote in their hometowns. Others were seen trickling into polling booths, where posters bearing the ruling party's "boat" symbol far outnumbered those of the opposition.

Reuters witnesses from the countryside said that in some places ruling party workers prevented opposition supporters from voting, an accusation Hasina's Awami League denied.

Millions of young new voters are registered to vote in the South Asian nation's first fully competitive general election in a decade. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the last election in 2014 claiming it wouldn't be free and fair.

The Awami League, which has touted an improved economy and development, is widely expected to win.

"I will freely vote for whom I want," said Manjur Ahmed, 23, a first-time voter who had come to a polling station with his father. "I want the development of the country to continue. I realise some people are nervous but I am not."

The BNP has been hobbled by the absence of its leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 74, who has been in jail since February on corruption charges which she says are politically motivated.

It stitched together the National Unity Front alliance with smaller parties three months ahead of the polls, but has alleged its supporters and candidates faced attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, at the hands of ruling party activists during the campaign. The army is deployed across the country, but some BNP leaders and a European diplomat said they feared the election would be rigged.

Hasina's party dismissed the accusations, saying the opposition has been making "one false allegation after another for months prior to election as polls show a landslide victory" for the ruling party.

"I believe that people will cast their votes in favour of Awami League to continue the pace of development," Hasina told reporters in Dhaka. "The 'boat' will surely win. I believe in democracy and I have confidence in the people of my country."

She has already invited foreign journalists and poll observers to her official residence on Monday, by which time the election result is expected to be known.

"Badge of honour"

Annual growth in the Muslim-majority nation of 165 million people rose to 7.8 per cent in the 2017/18 financial year that ended on June 30, compared with 5.1 per cent when Hasina took over in 2008/09.

Over the same period, annual sales of its economic mainstay, the garment industry, nearly tripled, with garment exports worth $30.6 billion in 2017/18, making up 83.5 per cent of total exports. Bangladesh's garment industry is the world's second biggest after China. One of Hasina's top jobs if she retains power will be to address demands by garment workers for a higher minimum wage.

But she has faced accusations of increasing authoritarianism. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters on Saturday Hasina regarded such accusations by "Western media" as a "badge of honour".

At a polling booth set up in a high school in old Dhaka on Sunday, some were afraid to comment on the polls, describing an atmosphere of fear.

"I hope the result will be good for us and 'boat' will win," said a polling agent, Mohammed Selim Raj. "Boat is the symbol of our liberation."

A middle-aged businessman who declined to be named said: "I am here to vote, but my family says, 'what's the point?' The ruling party will come back in power in any case."

Hasina has been praised internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics.

The United States, which has urged Bangladesh to ensure the vote is free and fair, said opposition party candidates had "borne the brunt of most violence" in recent weeks. "Think before you act violently!" the US embassy said on Twitter. "Your country depends on it."

Hasina and Khaleda have alternated in power for most of the last three decades and this is the first election the BNP has contested without its leader.

After intensive efforts by the BNP to get Khaleda out of jail failed, her son, Tarique Rahman, who is wanted in Bangladesh accused of masterminding a 2004 plot to kill Hasina, appealed to women, who make up nearly half the 100 million voters, on Facebook.

"This is my appeal to every mother, every woman in Bangladesh: only you can get her reunited with her family through the collective power of each of your votes," he said.

Bangladesh went to the polls on Sunday after violence-plagued campaigning, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina confident of a third straight term in a face-off against an opposition whose leader is in jail charged with corruption.

Bangladesh went to the polls on Sunday after violence-plagued campaigning, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina confident of a third straight term in a face-off against an opposition whose leader is in jail charged with corruption. Mobile internet was blocked and the streets of the capital were largely deserted as many had left to vote in their hometowns. Others were seen trickling into polling booths, where posters bearing the ruling party's "boat" symbol far outnumbered those of the opposition. Reuters witnesses from the countryside said that in some places ruling party workers prevented opposition supporters from voting, an accusation Hasina's Awami League denied. Millions of young new voters are registered to vote in the South Asian nation's first fully competitive general election in a decade. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the last election in 2014 claiming it wouldn't be free and fair. The Awami League, which has touted an improved economy and development, is widely expected to win. "I will freely vote for whom I want," said Manjur Ahmed, 23, a first-time voter who had come to a polling station with his father. "I want the development of the country to continue. I realise some people are nervous but I am not." The BNP has been hobbled by the absence of its leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 74, who has been in jail since February on corruption charges which she says are politically motivated. It stitched together the National Unity Front alliance with smaller parties three months ahead of the polls, but has alleged its supporters and candidates faced attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, at the hands of ruling party activists during the campaign. The army is deployed across the country, but some BNP leaders and a European diplomat said they feared the election would be rigged. Hasina's party dismissed the accusations, saying the opposition has been making "one false allegation after another for months prior to election as polls show a landslide victory" for the ruling party. "I believe that people will cast their votes in favour of Awami League to continue the pace of development," Hasina told reporters in Dhaka. "The 'boat' will surely win. I believe in democracy and I have confidence in the people of my country." She has already invited foreign journalists and poll observers to her official residence on Monday, by which time the election result is expected to be known. "Badge of honour" Annual growth in the Muslim-majority nation of 165 million people rose to 7.8 per cent in the 2017/18 financial year that ended on June 30, compared with 5.1 per cent when Hasina took over in 2008/09. Over the same period, annual sales of its economic mainstay, the garment industry, nearly tripled, with garment exports worth $30.6 billion in 2017/18, making up 83.5 per cent of total exports. Bangladesh's garment industry is the world's second biggest after China. One of Hasina's top jobs if she retains power will be to address demands by garment workers for a higher minimum wage. But she has faced accusations of increasing authoritarianism. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters on Saturday Hasina regarded such accusations by "Western media" as a "badge of honour". At a polling booth set up in a high school in old Dhaka on Sunday, some were afraid to comment on the polls, describing an atmosphere of fear. "I hope the result will be good for us and 'boat' will win," said a polling agent, Mohammed Selim Raj. "Boat is the symbol of our liberation." A middle-aged businessman who declined to be named said: "I am here to vote, but my family says, 'what's the point?' The ruling party will come back in power in any case." Hasina has been praised internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics. The United States, which has urged Bangladesh to ensure the vote is free and fair, said opposition party candidates had "borne the brunt of most violence" in recent weeks. "Think before you act violently!" the US embassy said on Twitter. "Your country depends on it." Hasina and Khaleda have alternated in power for most of the last three decades and this is the first election the BNP has contested without its leader. After intensive efforts by the BNP to get Khaleda out of jail failed, her son, Tarique Rahman, who is wanted in Bangladesh accused of masterminding a 2004 plot to kill Hasina, appealed to women, who make up nearly half the 100 million voters, on Facebook. "This is my appeal to every mother, every woman in Bangladesh: only you can get her reunited with her family through the collective power of each of your votes," he said.

PM Hasina 'confident' as Bangladesh goes to polls

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began&nbsp;at 8:00 am on Sunday.

Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to&nbsp;vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists.

Around&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel&nbsp;were deployed</a>&nbsp;in the country ahead of the polls.

The elections are&nbsp;expected to deliver a record fourth term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in general elections in Dhaka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xep0FPKcaj">pic.twitter.com/Xep0FPKcaj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079230202759262210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders.&nbsp;

Main opposition leader&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting.

Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election. Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists. Around 600,000 security personnel were deployed in the country ahead of the polls. The elections are expected to deliver a record fourth term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina casts her vote in general elections in Dhaka #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/Xep0FPKcaj — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders. Main opposition leader Khaleda Zia, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting. Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February. Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

Polls open in Bangladesh general election amid tight security

Breaking News: Bangladesh opposition rejects poll results, calls for a fresh vote

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-democrats-for-deaths-of-children-at-the-border-187260">Trump blames Democrats for deaths of children at the border</a>

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday once again blamed the Democrats, who obstructed his plans of building a wall in the southern border with Mexico to stop illegal migration, for the death of migrant children crossing into the US.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polls-open-in-bangladesh-general-election-187274">Polls open in Bangladesh general election amid tight security</a>

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began&nbsp;at 8:00 am on Sunday.Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to&nbsp;vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/police-teargas-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-187277">Police teargas 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris</a>

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tokyos-prosecutors-set-to-decide-on-carlos-ghosns-detention-187268">Tokyo's prosecutors set to decide on Carlos Ghosn's detention</a>

Tokyo prosecutors are set to decide on the detention of former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn on Tuesday&nbsp;for financial misconduct. Ghosn was arrested for allegedly conspiring to understate his income by about half of the actual 10 billion yen ($88.66 million) over five years from 2010. His deputy, Greg Kelly, who was accused of assisting, was released from Tokyo Detention Centre on December 25.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-australia-by-137-runs-to-win-melbourne-test-187279">India beat Australia by 137 runs to win Melbourne Test</a>

India defeated Australia by 137 runs to win the third Test of a four-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the win, India have taken an&nbsp;unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.&nbsp;

Trump blames Democrats for deaths of children at the border United States President Donald Trump on Saturday once again blamed the Democrats, who obstructed his plans of building a wall in the southern border with Mexico to stop illegal migration, for the death of migrant children crossing into the US.

Trump blames Democrats for deaths of children at the border United States President Donald Trump on Saturday once again blamed the Democrats, who obstructed his plans of building a wall in the southern border with Mexico to stop illegal migration, for the death of migrant children crossing into the US. Polls open in Bangladesh general election amid tight security Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday.Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election. Police teargas 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low. Tokyo's prosecutors set to decide on Carlos Ghosn's detention Tokyo prosecutors are set to decide on the detention of former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn on Tuesday for financial misconduct. Ghosn was arrested for allegedly conspiring to understate his income by about half of the actual 10 billion yen ($88.66 million) over five years from 2010. His deputy, Greg Kelly, who was accused of assisting, was released from Tokyo Detention Centre on December 25. India beat Australia by 137 runs to win Melbourne Test India defeated Australia by 137 runs to win the third Test of a four-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-goof-up-in-lok-sabha-cites-miners-trapped-in-mizoram-instead-of-meghalaya-186977">Parliamen</a>t which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday.

A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is examining the bill, will be held on Monday to finalise the proposed legislation before being submitted to the Lok Sabha.

The bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, even if they don't possess any proper document.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

"The bill is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha either on January 7 or 8. There is very little time for debate before it is passed in the Lower House and then in the Rajya Sabha," a source privy to the deliberations told PTI.

However, in Monday's meeting the BJP may have its way in incorporating some "contentious" provisions in the proposed legislation.

JPC chairman Rajendra Agrawal said the committee will try to finalise the bill through consensus after examining every clause.

"However, if we cannot reach a consensus, we will go for voting, which is a standard procedure for Parliament," he told PTI.

The BJP has 14 MPs, including Agrawal, in the 30-member panel. The Congress has four members while the Trinamool Congress and the Biju Janata Dal have two MPs each. The Shiv Sena, JD(U), TRS, TDP, CPI(M), AIADMK, SP, BSP have one member each in the panel.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on basis of religion.

"If there is voting, the BJP is likely to have its way in incorporating some contentious clauses. Monday's meeting is very crucial," sources said.

In the last meeting of the JPC, held on November 27, opposition members moved clause-by-clause amendments and one Congress MP sought removal of Bangladesh from the purview of the proposed legislation.

Interestingly, an NDA member suggested that Assam, where the bill received strong opposition, should be excluded from the ambit of the legislation.

Various members from opposition parties have been asserting that&nbsp; 
citizenship is a constitutional provision and it cannot be based on religion, as India is a secular nation.

Rather than resolving the situation in Assam, this bill is making the condition more volatile in the already tense state, an opposition member in the panel had said.

Echoing similar sentiments, a Congress member said if all the proposed amendments come into force, then the Centre has to nullify the Assam Accord under which anyone entering the state illegally after March 1971, should be declared foreigner and deported.

Agrawal said they were bound to submit the report in this session as in all practical purposes, Winter session is the last session of the current Lok Sabha.

A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.

Even the governments of Meghalaya and Mizoram have strongly opposed the bill and adopted resolutions against it.

The committee has already taken six extensions from the Lok Sabha Speaker. Last time it had sought time for the presentation of the report was on the "first day of the last week of the Winter Session, 2018".

During the course of its examination and study visits, the committee met a cross-section of people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and Meghalaya and heard views of organisations, individuals, experts and others over the issue.

The committee also heard the views of the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal.&nbsp;

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of Parliament which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday.

The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill may not able to get through during the Winter session of Parliament which comes to an end on January 8, sources said Sunday. A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is examining the bill, will be held on Monday to finalise the proposed legislation before being submitted to the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12, even if they don't possess any proper document. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. "The bill is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha either on January 7 or 8. There is very little time for debate before it is passed in the Lower House and then in the Rajya Sabha," a source privy to the deliberations told PTI. However, in Monday's meeting the BJP may have its way in incorporating some "contentious" provisions in the proposed legislation. JPC chairman Rajendra Agrawal said the committee will try to finalise the bill through consensus after examining every clause. "However, if we cannot reach a consensus, we will go for voting, which is a standard procedure for Parliament," he told PTI. The BJP has 14 MPs, including Agrawal, in the 30-member panel. The Congress has four members while the Trinamool Congress and the Biju Janata Dal have two MPs each. The Shiv Sena, JD(U), TRS, TDP, CPI(M), AIADMK, SP, BSP have one member each in the panel. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on basis of religion. "If there is voting, the BJP is likely to have its way in incorporating some contentious clauses. Monday's meeting is very crucial," sources said. In the last meeting of the JPC, held on November 27, opposition members moved clause-by-clause amendments and one Congress MP sought removal of Bangladesh from the purview of the proposed legislation. Interestingly, an NDA member suggested that Assam, where the bill received strong opposition, should be excluded from the ambit of the legislation. Various members from opposition parties have been asserting that citizenship is a constitutional provision and it cannot be based on religion, as India is a secular nation. Rather than resolving the situation in Assam, this bill is making the condition more volatile in the already tense state, an opposition member in the panel had said. Echoing similar sentiments, a Congress member said if all the proposed amendments come into force, then the Centre has to nullify the Assam Accord under which anyone entering the state illegally after March 1971, should be declared foreigner and deported. Agrawal said they were bound to submit the report in this session as in all practical purposes, Winter session is the last session of the current Lok Sabha. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. Even the governments of Meghalaya and Mizoram have strongly opposed the bill and adopted resolutions against it. The committee has already taken six extensions from the Lok Sabha Speaker. Last time it had sought time for the presentation of the report was on the "first day of the last week of the Winter Session, 2018". During the course of its examination and study visits, the committee met a cross-section of people in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and Meghalaya and heard views of organisations, individuals, experts and others over the issue. The committee also heard the views of the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Citizenship amendment bill may not get through in Winter session

Tensions rise as Bangladesh Votes; 8 killed in Violent clashes

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown.&nbsp;

The private Jamuna TV said the action was taken late Saturday.&nbsp;

"Cable operators took Jamuna TV off air without giving us any explanation," Fahim Ahmed, the station's chief news editor, told AFP.

"We are still transmitting. But no one in Bangladesh can see our channel due to the blackout," he said. The channel's output can still be seen online.

The broadcaster, which is owned by Jamuna Group -- one of Bangladesh's biggest conglomerates, which also runs a newspaper -- is known for its independent coverage.

Salma Islam, a member of the family that owns the group, stood in Sunday's election as an independent candidate against an influential ruling party businessman.

A top cable operator in Dhaka said Jamuna broadcasts stopped for technical rather than political reasons.&nbsp;

"We are not getting their signal," said S.M Ali Chanchal, owner of cable operator UCS. Jamuna rejected the explanation and insisted their signals were being broadcast as normal.

Authorities have also ordered the country's mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest.

There have been mounting accusations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been stifling dissent and curbing freedom of the press ahead of Sunday's election.

Internationally renowned photographer Shahidul Alam was detained for nearly four months after he was accused of making false and provocative statements against Hasina on Facebook.

Two pro-opposition editors have been detained for months over what they say are trumped-up charges while the editors of two influential dailies were accused of sedition and scores of other defamation cases.

In recent months Hasina's government has also strengthened a digital security law, which rights groups and journalists have said makes investigative journalism almost impossible. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown.

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown. The private Jamuna TV said the action was taken late Saturday. "Cable operators took Jamuna TV off air without giving us any explanation," Fahim Ahmed, the station's chief news editor, told AFP. "We are still transmitting. But no one in Bangladesh can see our channel due to the blackout," he said. The channel's output can still be seen online. The broadcaster, which is owned by Jamuna Group -- one of Bangladesh's biggest conglomerates, which also runs a newspaper -- is known for its independent coverage. Salma Islam, a member of the family that owns the group, stood in Sunday's election as an independent candidate against an influential ruling party businessman. A top cable operator in Dhaka said Jamuna broadcasts stopped for technical rather than political reasons. "We are not getting their signal," said S.M Ali Chanchal, owner of cable operator UCS. Jamuna rejected the explanation and insisted their signals were being broadcast as normal. Authorities have also ordered the country's mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest. There have been mounting accusations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been stifling dissent and curbing freedom of the press ahead of Sunday's election. Internationally renowned photographer Shahidul Alam was detained for nearly four months after he was accused of making false and provocative statements against Hasina on Facebook. Two pro-opposition editors have been detained for months over what they say are trumped-up charges while the editors of two influential dailies were accused of sedition and scores of other defamation cases. In recent months Hasina's government has also strengthened a digital security law, which rights groups and journalists have said makes investigative journalism almost impossible.

Bangladesh TV station taken off air for election day

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said.

While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents.

Two others were shot dead by police, one after he tried to steal a ballot box and the other when opposition activists attempted to storm a polling station, according to officers.&nbsp;

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began&nbsp;at 8:00 am on Sunday.

Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to&nbsp;vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists.

Around&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel&nbsp;were deployed</a>&nbsp;in the country ahead of the polls.

Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls.

Thirteen people were earlier killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said. While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents.

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said. While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents. Two others were shot dead by police, one after he tried to steal a ballot box and the other when opposition activists attempted to storm a polling station, according to officers. Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election. Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists. Around 600,000 security personnel were deployed in the country ahead of the polls. Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls. Thirteen people were earlier killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). (With inputs from agencies)

Eight dead in election-related violence in Bangladesh

A volcanic lava type inflammable liquid has been reportedly profiting out of the ground in Tripura's Jalifa village and has triggered panic among the local residents of the area.

It has gradually become a matter of concern for the Tripura state government, in North East India, which is highly vulnerable to earthquakes as it lies in seismic zone V.

This is the third such incident reported this year the state which is very close to Chittagong in Bangladesh.

Earlier in mid-April, at two spots, namely Baishnavpur and Ghagrabasti of Sunroom, lava-like liquid erupted along with fire and gas.

In the recent incident that happened only a few days back, the local villagers of Jalifa were scared to find lava erupting from the lower portion of the electric pole on the roadside and reported the matter to the fire extinguishing team and local police.

A team of firefighters rushed to the spot and tried to spray water and foam, but failed to stop the ongoing eruption that had already burned the spot.

Meanwhile, scientists from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment of the Government of Tripura also visited the spot.

After examining the spot and analysing the samples collected from the spot they concluded that the fire, smoke and other materials running out of the ground is due to a fault line that passes through that area beside the displacement of the underground tectonic plates in that region and which is creating huge subsurface heat causing the incident.

However, Avisek Chaudhuri, from the Tripura Space Application Centre, who is the leading scientist team viewed that there is very little chance of eruption of lava or an active volcano.&nbsp;

But the Science, Technology and Environment Minister of Tripura Sudip Roy Barman has expressed concern as the state has a history of recorded massive earthquakes earlier.

Barman said that the government is taking the matter.&nbsp;

A volcanic lava type inflammable liquid has been reportedly profiting out of the ground in Tripura's Jalifa village and has triggered panic among the local residents of the area.

A volcanic lava type inflammable liquid has been reportedly profiting out of the ground in Tripura's Jalifa village and has triggered panic among the local residents of the area. It has gradually become a matter of concern for the Tripura state government, in North East India, which is highly vulnerable to earthquakes as it lies in seismic zone V. This is the third such incident reported this year the state which is very close to Chittagong in Bangladesh. Earlier in mid-April, at two spots, namely Baishnavpur and Ghagrabasti of Sunroom, lava-like liquid erupted along with fire and gas. In the recent incident that happened only a few days back, the local villagers of Jalifa were scared to find lava erupting from the lower portion of the electric pole on the roadside and reported the matter to the fire extinguishing team and local police. A team of firefighters rushed to the spot and tried to spray water and foam, but failed to stop the ongoing eruption that had already burned the spot. Meanwhile, scientists from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment of the Government of Tripura also visited the spot. After examining the spot and analysing the samples collected from the spot they concluded that the fire, smoke and other materials running out of the ground is due to a fault line that passes through that area beside the displacement of the underground tectonic plates in that region and which is creating huge subsurface heat causing the incident. However, Avisek Chaudhuri, from the Tripura Space Application Centre, who is the leading scientist team viewed that there is very little chance of eruption of lava or an active volcano. But the Science, Technology and Environment Minister of Tripura Sudip Roy Barman has expressed concern as the state has a history of recorded massive earthquakes earlier. Barman said that the government is taking the matter.

Lava-type eruption causes panic in Tripura village

Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-battling-begums-fight-for-survival-in-2018-187097">general election</a> expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.

Authorities have deployed around 600,000 police, army and other security forces ahead of Sunday's vote, a senior official said, following a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shot-in-the-back-the-dangers-of-being-an-opposition-candidate-in-bangladesh-187096">deadly campaign marred by clashes</a>.

The forces -- which also include the elite Rapid Action Battalion, navy, border and coast guards and auxiliary police units -- are providing security to some 40,000 election booths.

"We have ensured the highest level of security in Bangladesh as per the capacity of the country," Rafiqul Islam of the election commission told AFP.

"We hope there will be a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls.

Thirteen people have been killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 election, says its supporters have been deliberately targeted in a bid to deter them from voting and rig the election in Hasina's favour.

The Awami League and BNP are leading their own alliances in the country's 11th parliamentary polls since independence in 1971.

The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in prison on graft charges, has accused the election commission of bias during the electoral campaign -- a charge rejected by its chief commissioner, K.M Nurul Huda.

The opposition says that some 14,000 of its activists have been detained since the election schedule was announced on November 8. It also alleges that around 12,000 activists were injured in attacks by ruling party followers. The ruling party denies the allegation. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rafiqul Islam said election authorities were still hopeful the vote would be credible. The United States has raised concerns about the elections while the United Nations called for greater efforts to make the vote fair.

"We're trying our best to have a free and fair election," he said.

Islam added that authorities may slow down internet speeds on election day in an effort to "prevent the spread of rumours", that could trigger unrest.

The country's telecoms regulator shut down higher speed internet services on Thursday before restoring them on Friday morning.

The election commission has also imposed restrictions on public transport and cars on polling day in an effort to maintain security and "conduct the election smoothly", he said.

Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.

Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term. Authorities have deployed around 600,000 police, army and other security forces ahead of Sunday's vote, a senior official said, following a deadly campaign marred by clashes. The forces -- which also include the elite Rapid Action Battalion, navy, border and coast guards and auxiliary police units -- are providing security to some 40,000 election booths. "We have ensured the highest level of security in Bangladesh as per the capacity of the country," Rafiqul Islam of the election commission told AFP. "We hope there will be a peaceful atmosphere," he said. Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls. Thirteen people have been killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 election, says its supporters have been deliberately targeted in a bid to deter them from voting and rig the election in Hasina's favour. The Awami League and BNP are leading their own alliances in the country's 11th parliamentary polls since independence in 1971. The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in prison on graft charges, has accused the election commission of bias during the electoral campaign -- a charge rejected by its chief commissioner, K.M Nurul Huda. The opposition says that some 14,000 of its activists have been detained since the election schedule was announced on November 8. It also alleges that around 12,000 activists were injured in attacks by ruling party followers. The ruling party denies the allegation. Rafiqul Islam said election authorities were still hopeful the vote would be credible. The United States has raised concerns about the elections while the United Nations called for greater efforts to make the vote fair. "We're trying our best to have a free and fair election," he said. Islam added that authorities may slow down internet speeds on election day in an effort to "prevent the spread of rumours", that could trigger unrest. The country's telecoms regulator shut down higher speed internet services on Thursday before restoring them on Friday morning. The election commission has also imposed restrictions on public transport and cars on polling day in an effort to maintain security and "conduct the election smoothly", he said.

Bangladesh polls: Around 600,000 security personnel deployed ahead of voting

At a library inside a small district court in southeastern Bangladesh, barrister Mahabub Uddin Khokon stood up to take off his coat and scrunched his white shirt up to his shoulders to reveal a back covered in bandages over several shotgun pellet wounds. Settling back into an office chair, the 62-year-old smiled.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-bangladesh-vote-opposition-says-it-faces-a-reign-of-terror-187069">Ahead of Bangladesh vote, opposition says it faces 'a reign of terror'</a>

"You see, my fight is not against the Awami League. It's not them I am running against," he said, referring to Bangladesh's ruling party. "It's against the police, the Election Commission, and the entire government machinery."&nbsp;

Khokon, who is contesting Sunday's parliamentary election as a candidate for the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), alleges he was shot on December 15 by a senior police officer in Noakhali, a mostly-rural district in the country's southeast. At the time he says he was out canvassing for votes along with hundreds of supporters, of whom about 40 were also injured.&nbsp;

"I thought the police was there to protect us," said Khokon, who is also secretary of Bangladesh's Supreme Court Bar Association.

The top election official in the area, who also oversees the police, has dismissed the allegations. Police, the government and the Awami League also deny opposition allegations of intimidation and say the election campaign period has been fair.&nbsp;

While violence during election campaigns is not new in the South Asian nation, the attack on Khokon and his supporters have fed into the opposition accusations.

Sprawling paddy fields and coconut trees flank narrow roads in Noakhali's Sonaimuri, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, where Khokon is contesting.&nbsp;

The town was the scene of bloody violence on December 15.&nbsp;

"The (police) officer-in-charge asked Khokon to leave the place immediately and then abruptly fired pellet bullets at the petitioner (Khokon)," said a lawsuit Khokon has filed at the Dhaka High Court against specific police officers, the government and the election commission.

One pellet hit Khokon's chin, five his back and two his legs, the suit alleges, adding that 40 other opposition activists were also "grievously injured by illegal and unjustified firing of bullets by police" in that attack.&nbsp;

Tanmoy Das, the returning officer in charge of overseeing elections and police in Noakhali, said Khokon had made exaggerated claims and it was not the police but others, perhaps people from Khokon's own party, who shot at him because of internal discord. HM Ibrahim, the Awami League candidate Khokon is running against, echoed those statements.

"Some violence is usual in our politics," Ibrahim said, adding that Khokon's supporters had attacked an Awami League office on the same day and in the same area that Khokon was attacked. "He is a lawyer, he is trying to make a fool of the public. His own party people must have fired at him."

Das said an investigation was underway, and the police officer in charge in Sonaimuri had been "replaced" on orders of the Election Commission "due to pressure." He declined to say who the pressure was from.

"I think the situation is good here. There is a level playing field," Das said, adding that he had received no complaints of Awami League workers threatening or attacking anyone.

At a library inside a small district court in southeastern Bangladesh, barrister Mahabub Uddin Khokon stood up to take off his coat and scrunched his white shirt up to his shoulders to reveal a back covered in bandages over several shotgun pellet wounds.

At a library inside a small district court in southeastern Bangladesh, barrister Mahabub Uddin Khokon stood up to take off his coat and scrunched his white shirt up to his shoulders to reveal a back covered in bandages over several shotgun pellet wounds. Settling back into an office chair, the 62-year-old smiled. Also read: Ahead of Bangladesh vote, opposition says it faces 'a reign of terror' "You see, my fight is not against the Awami League. It's not them I am running against," he said, referring to Bangladesh's ruling party. "It's against the police, the Election Commission, and the entire government machinery." Khokon, who is contesting Sunday's parliamentary election as a candidate for the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), alleges he was shot on December 15 by a senior police officer in Noakhali, a mostly-rural district in the country's southeast. At the time he says he was out canvassing for votes along with hundreds of supporters, of whom about 40 were also injured. "I thought the police was there to protect us," said Khokon, who is also secretary of Bangladesh's Supreme Court Bar Association. The top election official in the area, who also oversees the police, has dismissed the allegations. Police, the government and the Awami League also deny opposition allegations of intimidation and say the election campaign period has been fair. While violence during election campaigns is not new in the South Asian nation, the attack on Khokon and his supporters have fed into the opposition accusations. Sprawling paddy fields and coconut trees flank narrow roads in Noakhali's Sonaimuri, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, where Khokon is contesting. The town was the scene of bloody violence on December 15. "The (police) officer-in-charge asked Khokon to leave the place immediately and then abruptly fired pellet bullets at the petitioner (Khokon)," said a lawsuit Khokon has filed at the Dhaka High Court against specific police officers, the government and the election commission. One pellet hit Khokon's chin, five his back and two his legs, the suit alleges, adding that 40 other opposition activists were also "grievously injured by illegal and unjustified firing of bullets by police" in that attack. Tanmoy Das, the returning officer in charge of overseeing elections and police in Noakhali, said Khokon had made exaggerated claims and it was not the police but others, perhaps people from Khokon's own party, who shot at him because of internal discord. HM Ibrahim, the Awami League candidate Khokon is running against, echoed those statements. "Some violence is usual in our politics," Ibrahim said, adding that Khokon's supporters had attacked an Awami League office on the same day and in the same area that Khokon was attacked. "He is a lawyer, he is trying to make a fool of the public. His own party people must have fired at him." Das said an investigation was underway, and the police officer in charge in Sonaimuri had been "replaced" on orders of the Election Commission "due to pressure." He declined to say who the pressure was from. "I think the situation is good here. There is a level playing field," Das said, adding that he had received no complaints of Awami League workers threatening or attacking anyone.

Shot in the back: Dangers of being an opposition candidate in Bangladesh

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President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States will eliminate all economic assistance to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador in retaliation for the caravans of Central American migrants arriving at the southern border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-bomb-blast-kills-3-vietnamese-tourists-guide-near-giza-pyramids-187090">Egypt: Bomb blast kills 3 Vietnamese tourists, guide near Giza pyramids</a>

Three Vietnamese holidaymakers and an Egyptian tour guide were killed Friday when a roadside bomb blast hit their bus as it travelled close to the Giza pyramids outside Cairo, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-gun-battle-underway-between-security-forces-terrorists-187085">J&amp;K: Gun battle underway between security forces, terrorists in Pulwama's Rajpora</a>

A gun battle is underway between security forces and terrorists in Rajpora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. The police have launched a search operation in the region to track the terrorists.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-beefed-up-in-bangladesh-before-polls-on-sunday-187092">Security beefed up in Bangladesh ahead of polls on Sunday</a>

As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-3rd-test-day-4-187077">INDvsAUS, 3rd Test, Day 4: Australia at 64-3 after 22 overs, need 335 runs to win</a>

Chasing 399 for an improbable win, Australia were reduced to 44 for two at lunch. This was after India declared their second innings at 106 for eight with Pat Cummins taking career-best figures of 6-27.&nbsp;

'Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are doing nothing for US,' says Trump vowing to end all aid President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States will eliminate all economic assistance to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador in retaliation for the caravans of Central American migrants arriving at the southern border.

'Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are doing nothing for US,' says Trump vowing to end all aid President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States will eliminate all economic assistance to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador in retaliation for the caravans of Central American migrants arriving at the southern border. Egypt: Bomb blast kills 3 Vietnamese tourists, guide near Giza pyramids Three Vietnamese holidaymakers and an Egyptian tour guide were killed Friday when a roadside bomb blast hit their bus as it travelled close to the Giza pyramids outside Cairo, officials said. J&K: Gun battle underway between security forces, terrorists in Pulwama's Rajpora A gun battle is underway between security forces and terrorists in Rajpora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. The police have launched a search operation in the region to track the terrorists. Security beefed up in Bangladesh ahead of polls on Sunday As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2. INDvsAUS, 3rd Test, Day 4: Australia at 64-3 after 22 overs, need 335 runs to win Chasing 399 for an improbable win, Australia were reduced to 44 for two at lunch. This was after India declared their second innings at 106 for eight with Pat Cummins taking career-best figures of 6-27.

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India.

The two women - Hasina, the 71-year-old daughter of the country's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zia, the 73-year-old widow of military dictator Ziaur Rahman, have been political royalty - begums - since the 1980s.

While Hasina is seeking re-election for a fourth term as the prime minister in the upcoming polls, her rival Zia, who is reportedly partially paralysed, faces an uncertain future in a Dhaka jail.

Zia, the two-time former prime minister, boycotted the 2014 elections, saying it was rigged in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleges that the AL-led government is engaged in a crackdown against its workers aiming at derailing its election campaign.

The first woman prime minister in the country's history and second in the Muslim-majority countries after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, Zia was in November ordered by a court to stay behind bars for more than a decade for graft. The convictions mean she cannot contest the poll.

Zia's supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. Her son Tarique Rahman, the acting party head, was also sentenced to life behind bars.

The BNP had decided not to take part in the polls while its top leader was in jail. But the legal obligations forced the party to take part in the elections as the party could have lost its registration with the Election Commission if it would have abstained from polls for a second consecutive time.

The emergence of the National Unity Forum (NUF) as a joint opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February.

The alliance created hope for the BNP to have a pre-polls dialogue with the government. A former Awami League stalwart and eminent jurist, Kamal Hossain leads the NUF. He, however, preferred not to contest the polls himself.

Several Western diplomats and political analysts inside the country said the emergence of the NUF created a win-win situation for all stakeholders and paved the way for the BNP to return to Parliament.

Unlike the 2014 elections, major foreign powers appeared appreciative of the current political course despite their worries about the rights situation in the country. 
The zero use of the anti-India rhetoric during the election campaign came as a respite to New Delhi, which in the past was accused of intervening in the country's politics.

Analysts said the BNP over the years preferred to get New Delhi as an ally, burying the old hostile attitude, a development which some of them preferred to call "bipartisan consensus" regarding the next-door neighbour.

Bangladesh's ties with India this year grew steadily, with high-level visits from both sides. Hasina visited India in May during which she held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The last few years have been a "golden chapter" in India-Bangladesh relationship when complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved, Modi said at the time.

Echoing his views, Hasina hoped that the remaining issues will also be resolved in a "friendly atmosphere".

India signed a revised travel agreement with Bangladesh during Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Dhaka in July.

Under the Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA)-2018, freedom fighters and elderly Bangladeshi nationals will get five-year multiple visa from India.

During the year, the two countries launched many development cooperation projects, including the construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line.

The two countries jointly inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. India also announced a three-year visa for Bangladeshi students willing to study in the country. The issue of Teesta water sharing issue, however, remained unresolved.

Most analysts feel that the crucial bilateral ties now witness a new trajectory since the Awami League assumed power in 2009 and they expect the relations to grow further in 2019 irrespective of the outcome of Bangladesh's elections.

The Rohingya crisis remained a major issue in Bangladesh this year. The country rallied huge international support to put pressure on Myanmar to take back minority Muslim Rohingyas who fled the country following a military crackdown.

After several rounds of talks, Myanmar agreed to start the repatriation. But the planned beginning of the repatriation of thousands of Rohingyas which was set for November 15 faced a setback amid concerns over their safety once they return to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Some foreign relations analysts said Dhaka was a bit upset with India's role in the Rohingya crisis particularly for not mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back 1.1 million people, who were forced to take refuge in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh set a bad track record in terms of human rights this year, drawing massive criticism for incidents of "forced disappearances" and deaths in the hands of law enforcement agencies.

As Bangladesh is getting ready to install a new government, the new year promises a lot of action not only on the political front but also on foreign policy front.&nbsp;

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India.

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India. The two women - Hasina, the 71-year-old daughter of the country's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zia, the 73-year-old widow of military dictator Ziaur Rahman, have been political royalty - begums - since the 1980s. While Hasina is seeking re-election for a fourth term as the prime minister in the upcoming polls, her rival Zia, who is reportedly partially paralysed, faces an uncertain future in a Dhaka jail. Zia, the two-time former prime minister, boycotted the 2014 elections, saying it was rigged in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleges that the AL-led government is engaged in a crackdown against its workers aiming at derailing its election campaign. The first woman prime minister in the country's history and second in the Muslim-majority countries after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, Zia was in November ordered by a court to stay behind bars for more than a decade for graft. The convictions mean she cannot contest the poll. Zia's supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. Her son Tarique Rahman, the acting party head, was also sentenced to life behind bars. The BNP had decided not to take part in the polls while its top leader was in jail. But the legal obligations forced the party to take part in the elections as the party could have lost its registration with the Election Commission if it would have abstained from polls for a second consecutive time. The emergence of the National Unity Forum (NUF) as a joint opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February. The alliance created hope for the BNP to have a pre-polls dialogue with the government. A former Awami League stalwart and eminent jurist, Kamal Hossain leads the NUF. He, however, preferred not to contest the polls himself. Several Western diplomats and political analysts inside the country said the emergence of the NUF created a win-win situation for all stakeholders and paved the way for the BNP to return to Parliament. Unlike the 2014 elections, major foreign powers appeared appreciative of the current political course despite their worries about the rights situation in the country. The zero use of the anti-India rhetoric during the election campaign came as a respite to New Delhi, which in the past was accused of intervening in the country's politics. Analysts said the BNP over the years preferred to get New Delhi as an ally, burying the old hostile attitude, a development which some of them preferred to call "bipartisan consensus" regarding the next-door neighbour. Bangladesh's ties with India this year grew steadily, with high-level visits from both sides. Hasina visited India in May during which she held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The last few years have been a "golden chapter" in India-Bangladesh relationship when complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved, Modi said at the time. Echoing his views, Hasina hoped that the remaining issues will also be resolved in a "friendly atmosphere". India signed a revised travel agreement with Bangladesh during Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Dhaka in July. Under the Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA)-2018, freedom fighters and elderly Bangladeshi nationals will get five-year multiple visa from India. During the year, the two countries launched many development cooperation projects, including the construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line. The two countries jointly inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. India also announced a three-year visa for Bangladeshi students willing to study in the country. The issue of Teesta water sharing issue, however, remained unresolved. Most analysts feel that the crucial bilateral ties now witness a new trajectory since the Awami League assumed power in 2009 and they expect the relations to grow further in 2019 irrespective of the outcome of Bangladesh's elections. The Rohingya crisis remained a major issue in Bangladesh this year. The country rallied huge international support to put pressure on Myanmar to take back minority Muslim Rohingyas who fled the country following a military crackdown. After several rounds of talks, Myanmar agreed to start the repatriation. But the planned beginning of the repatriation of thousands of Rohingyas which was set for November 15 faced a setback amid concerns over their safety once they return to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Some foreign relations analysts said Dhaka was a bit upset with India's role in the Rohingya crisis particularly for not mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back 1.1 million people, who were forced to take refuge in Bangladesh. Bangladesh set a bad track record in terms of human rights this year, drawing massive criticism for incidents of "forced disappearances" and deaths in the hands of law enforcement agencies. As Bangladesh is getting ready to install a new government, the new year promises a lot of action not only on the political front but also on foreign policy front.

Bangladesh's 'battling begums' fight for survival in 2018

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/its-not-between-sheikh-hasina-and-me-its-about-politics-of-value-kamal-hossain-187073">Bangladesh</a> prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2.

Dhaka Tribune reported that the security and law enforcement agencies of the country have unveiled various measures, to ensure an environment free of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-violence-and-arrests-of-opposition-activists-mars-bangaldesh-election-187035">violence, intimidation and coercion</a> before and after the 11th Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on Sunday.

Security forces including Bangladesh Army troops, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are reportedly patrolling the streets and have set up security check-posts over different locations in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been given the responsibility of maintaining security and stability before and after the general elections.

Dhaka Tribune quoted the DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia as saying, "The DMP has already established a well-coordinated and strong security system to make the election free of violence, safe and joyful."

"Our cyber team is working to prevent rumours online. If there is any obstruction, then we will take immediate action. Police also have ensured adequate security arrangements for 14 points from where ballot papers will be forwarded to polling centres," he added.

The DMP has also prohibited the movement of vehicles from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight apart from emergencies including ambulance services.&nbsp;

The Dhaka police have also confirmed that the people who are travelling to some local or international destinations should carry proper identity proofs and necessary documents with them.

"The traffic department has been directed to take necessary steps," Asaduzzaman noted."

Vehicles will be checked. The measures are to ensure that no one can create disorder and disrupt balloting," he said.&nbsp;

As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2.

As Bangladesh prepares to go for polling on December 30 to elect a new Parliament in the country, armed forces have been deployed in 389 'upazilas' or administrative region till January 2. Dhaka Tribune reported that the security and law enforcement agencies of the country have unveiled various measures, to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before and after the 11th Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on Sunday. Security forces including Bangladesh Army troops, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are reportedly patrolling the streets and have set up security check-posts over different locations in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been given the responsibility of maintaining security and stability before and after the general elections. Dhaka Tribune quoted the DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia as saying, "The DMP has already established a well-coordinated and strong security system to make the election free of violence, safe and joyful." "Our cyber team is working to prevent rumours online. If there is any obstruction, then we will take immediate action. Police also have ensured adequate security arrangements for 14 points from where ballot papers will be forwarded to polling centres," he added. The DMP has also prohibited the movement of vehicles from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight apart from emergencies including ambulance services. The Dhaka police have also confirmed that the people who are travelling to some local or international destinations should carry proper identity proofs and necessary documents with them. "The traffic department has been directed to take necessary steps," Asaduzzaman noted." Vehicles will be checked. The measures are to ensure that no one can create disorder and disrupt balloting," he said.

Security beefed up in Bangladesh ahead of polls on Sunday

Bangladesh polls 2018: Over 1,800 candidates in fray and other key facts

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father.

The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday.

Hossain accuses Hasina’s Awami League party of trampling over Bangladesh’s hard-won democratic freedoms by locking up and attacking opposition activists in a bid to rig the poll.

Speaking to WION, he said, "My only protest is against the current course of politics. We are in support of democracy. East Bengal was the first place to give the vote for democracy. All of us Bengalis believe in democracy. I cannot understand why this govt cannot understand this thing."

Pointing out at issues with Sheikh Hasina, he said, "It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me. It's the politics. It's all about money and muscle. We want to keep alive the politics that Bangladesh has been all about, which is values and not acquiring more money and more &nbsp;muscle."

"There was a lot of tussle in the party over monetary issues. They were in support of putting weapons in the pockets of the boys at the party and I was against all of this. I will never use the money for politics and vice versa. I'm 80 now. People so much younger have come into politics. I thought I will stay back and guide. Even before I was never committed to politics whole time. I was into teaching and law. The worst thing today is how many lakhs can you give up. Earlier it was lakhs, now its crores'," he added.

To a question about the relationship with India, he answered, "I worked with India closely. Especially with Indira Gandhi and Sardar Swaran Singh. We signed the land boundary agreement. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked for a hill station, you have Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Shillong. Ministers seemed perturbed. Then everyone burst out laughing."&nbsp;

Kamal Hossain had also served as a UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan from 1998-2003.

"The main weapon given to Taliban was corruption. Taliban is taking full advantage of this. Latest is the US pulling out troops. Pakistan is also involved in this who can be only dealt with by the US. A person like Trump has no understanding of anything. He thinks he can do all kinds of gimmicks and he is hurting Afghanistan. Although India does not have direct borders with Afghanistan, India has a vital interest in Afghanistan and so has entire South Asia," he said on the present situation of Afghanistan.

Hossain, a lawyer, was Bangladesh’s first law minister following independence from Pakistan in 1971 and headed the committee that drew up a constitution the following year.

(With inputs from AFP)

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father. The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday.

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father. The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday. Hossain accuses Hasina’s Awami League party of trampling over Bangladesh’s hard-won democratic freedoms by locking up and attacking opposition activists in a bid to rig the poll. Speaking to WION, he said, "My only protest is against the current course of politics. We are in support of democracy. East Bengal was the first place to give the vote for democracy. All of us Bengalis believe in democracy. I cannot understand why this govt cannot understand this thing." Pointing out at issues with Sheikh Hasina, he said, "It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me. It's the politics. It's all about money and muscle. We want to keep alive the politics that Bangladesh has been all about, which is values and not acquiring more money and more muscle." "There was a lot of tussle in the party over monetary issues. They were in support of putting weapons in the pockets of the boys at the party and I was against all of this. I will never use the money for politics and vice versa. I'm 80 now. People so much younger have come into politics. I thought I will stay back and guide. Even before I was never committed to politics whole time. I was into teaching and law. The worst thing today is how many lakhs can you give up. Earlier it was lakhs, now its crores'," he added. To a question about the relationship with India, he answered, "I worked with India closely. Especially with Indira Gandhi and Sardar Swaran Singh. We signed the land boundary agreement. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked for a hill station, you have Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Shillong. Ministers seemed perturbed. Then everyone burst out laughing." Kamal Hossain had also served as a UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan from 1998-2003. "The main weapon given to Taliban was corruption. Taliban is taking full advantage of this. Latest is the US pulling out troops. Pakistan is also involved in this who can be only dealt with by the US. A person like Trump has no understanding of anything. He thinks he can do all kinds of gimmicks and he is hurting Afghanistan. Although India does not have direct borders with Afghanistan, India has a vital interest in Afghanistan and so has entire South Asia," he said on the present situation of Afghanistan. Hossain, a lawyer, was Bangladesh’s first law minister following independence from Pakistan in 1971 and headed the committee that drew up a constitution the following year. (With inputs from AFP)

It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me, it's about politics of value: Kamal Hossain to WION

Bangladesh has a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-violence-and-arrests-of-opposition-activists-mars-bangaldesh-election-187035"> general election </a>this weekend, but opposition candidate Abdul Moyeen Khan says he is yet to hold a single public meeting in his constituency about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Dhaka, the capital.

Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Muslim majority nation's biggest opposition group, is fighting Sunday's election as part of an alliance cobbled together three months ago. But its leaders, candidates such as Khan, and workers say they are facing violent attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, that have stunted their ability to campaign.

Posters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League are plastered and hung up from utility poles across the country. But barely visible are those of its opponents, many of whom, including BNP chairperson and three-time premier Khaleda Zia, have been jailed on what the BNP calls trumped-up charges.

Not trusting Hasina to hold a fair election, the BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014. This time, it stayed in the race by banding together with smaller parties, but several BNP leaders say they are regretting that decision.

With over 100 million registered voters and 300 seats in parliament, this is one of the largest national elections anywhere in the world this year. But as campaigning came to an end on Friday, opposition leaders said they had barely stirred out of their homes.

"I am not even allowed to campaign, and they are threatening voters to stay away," Khan said at his home in Dhaka earlier this week, where he was visiting an assistant hospitalised after being assaulted.

In the first two days of this week, opposition workers in 88 constituencies had been attacked, Khan said. One candidate has sued police for shooting him eight times with pellet bullets while he was out seeking votes.

Hasina's Awami League, seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations and blames the opposition for attacks that killed at least five of its workers and injured more than 300 in the past three weeks.

In a recent interview, Awami League leader HT&nbsp;Imam handed Reuters photographs of people he called opposition "thugs" vandalising shops, setting fire to vehicles, and burning Awami League posters in Dhaka in November.

Imam also listed steps Hasina had taken since coming to power to ensure free and fair elections, including strengthening the Election Commission, introducing see-through ballot boxes and empowering the police to act against political parties' use of money and muscle.

Divided election commission

Yet a rift has developed in the Election Commission, with Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners, saying last week there was no level playing field.

"It is not enough to hold a participatory election, it should also be free, fair and as per the law," Talukdar said in a statement on Wednesday.

His boss, Chief Election Commissioner KM&nbsp;Nurul Huda, has said Talukdar was lying and also rejected the opposition's allegations of bias. He did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking further comment. Police say they have been working under the orders of the Election Commission since last month.

More than 61 per cent of the opposition alliance's 287 candidates face criminal cases, compared with only around 7 per cent of the ruling party's 299, according to affidavits filed by candidates at the Election Commission that were analysed by the Dhaka-based civil society group Shujan.

Most cases against the opposition are "politically motivated", Shujan's Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said.

BNP says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the opposition alliance, comprising around 20 parties, have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period.

Sohel Rana, a spokesman for the Bangladesh police, declined to give figures of arrests or attacks on political leaders and activists but said his department took allegations of mistakes in filing charges seriously and would take action against any officers found responsible.

Street politics has always been violent in Bangladesh, which won freedom from Pakistan in 1971 under the leadership of Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Khaleda, who has served as prime minister for 10 years, is the widow of former president Ziaur Rahman.

A bitter decades-long rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda - often called "the two begums", or noblewomen - has frequently manifested itself in violence by their parties' student and youth wings.

Ataur Rahman, who chairs the bipartisan think-tank Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), said the dominance of the party in power, violence across the country, and police cases against the opposition were all concerns.

Hasina tipped to win

A Facebook poll by CGS this week showed nearly 80 per cent of 4,500 respondents were in favour of the opposition. Still, Rahman predicts Hasina will retain power. And other polls show her party remains popular.

Results released in September of a survey by the US-based nonprofit International Republican Institute showed 62 per cent of Bangladeshis said they thought the country was headed in the right direction, citing an improving economy. The country's garments industry that generates sales of $30 billion a year, is booming.

But the survey of 5,000 respondents also found that Bangladeshis were losing confidence in democratic institutions and processes, with only 32 per cent saying they believed this election would be free and fair.

Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws, which she denies.

US funded political observers who were scheduled to visit to monitor elections have been forced to cancel plans due to what Washington said was Bangladesh's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary". Bangladesh's foreign ministry said it was following due process.

Where are the posters?

When a group of daily wage labourers gathered in Dhaka this week, supporters of both political groups said no other prime minister had helped build more roads and culverts than Hasina.

But they said they should be free to elect their leader, and that a lack of campaigning by the opposition was not helping them decide.

"Opposition people can't even put up election posters, can’t open election offices," said Musharraf Hussain Sharafat, 50, who works as a decorator at tents put up for weddings. "We think we won’t even be allowed to vote."

In Noakhali district, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, opposition posters in two key constituencies are hardly visible.

In one of them, the Awami League’s General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, was seen out seeking votes last weekend with a cavalcade of black SUVs and his area's top police officer for security.

Quader smiled down from posters hung from trees, electrical wires, and plastered on walls, as loudspeakers perched atop rickshaws blared Hasina’s praises.

His opponent Modud Ahmed, a former prime minister, said he had stayed in his home for most of this month out of fear of attacks. He said his supporters face assaults and threats from stick and gun-wielding Awami League student and youth wing activists.

"We don't call them students," said Ahmed, Bangladesh's first postmaster-general. "We call them Hasina's armed cadres. There is a reign of terror."

Quader declined to meet with Reuters despite repeated requests.

Nizam Uddin, local leader of the Awami League’s student wing, rubbished Ahmed's allegations, saying instead that his own members had been attacked by BNP workers.

Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said.

Bangladesh has a general election this weekend, but opposition candidate Abdul Moyeen Khan says he is yet to hold a single public meeting in his constituency about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Dhaka, the capital. Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Muslim majority nation's biggest opposition group, is fighting Sunday's election as part of an alliance cobbled together three months ago. But its leaders, candidates such as Khan, and workers say they are facing violent attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, that have stunted their ability to campaign. Posters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League are plastered and hung up from utility poles across the country. But barely visible are those of its opponents, many of whom, including BNP chairperson and three-time premier Khaleda Zia, have been jailed on what the BNP calls trumped-up charges. Not trusting Hasina to hold a fair election, the BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014. This time, it stayed in the race by banding together with smaller parties, but several BNP leaders say they are regretting that decision. With over 100 million registered voters and 300 seats in parliament, this is one of the largest national elections anywhere in the world this year. But as campaigning came to an end on Friday, opposition leaders said they had barely stirred out of their homes. "I am not even allowed to campaign, and they are threatening voters to stay away," Khan said at his home in Dhaka earlier this week, where he was visiting an assistant hospitalised after being assaulted. In the first two days of this week, opposition workers in 88 constituencies had been attacked, Khan said. One candidate has sued police for shooting him eight times with pellet bullets while he was out seeking votes. Hasina's Awami League, seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations and blames the opposition for attacks that killed at least five of its workers and injured more than 300 in the past three weeks. In a recent interview, Awami League leader HT Imam handed Reuters photographs of people he called opposition "thugs" vandalising shops, setting fire to vehicles, and burning Awami League posters in Dhaka in November. Imam also listed steps Hasina had taken since coming to power to ensure free and fair elections, including strengthening the Election Commission, introducing see-through ballot boxes and empowering the police to act against political parties' use of money and muscle. Divided election commission Yet a rift has developed in the Election Commission, with Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners, saying last week there was no level playing field. "It is not enough to hold a participatory election, it should also be free, fair and as per the law," Talukdar said in a statement on Wednesday. His boss, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, has said Talukdar was lying and also rejected the opposition's allegations of bias. He did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking further comment. Police say they have been working under the orders of the Election Commission since last month. More than 61 per cent of the opposition alliance's 287 candidates face criminal cases, compared with only around 7 per cent of the ruling party's 299, according to affidavits filed by candidates at the Election Commission that were analysed by the Dhaka-based civil society group Shujan. Most cases against the opposition are "politically motivated", Shujan's Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said. BNP says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the opposition alliance, comprising around 20 parties, have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period. Sohel Rana, a spokesman for the Bangladesh police, declined to give figures of arrests or attacks on political leaders and activists but said his department took allegations of mistakes in filing charges seriously and would take action against any officers found responsible. Street politics has always been violent in Bangladesh, which won freedom from Pakistan in 1971 under the leadership of Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Khaleda, who has served as prime minister for 10 years, is the widow of former president Ziaur Rahman. A bitter decades-long rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda - often called "the two begums", or noblewomen - has frequently manifested itself in violence by their parties' student and youth wings. Ataur Rahman, who chairs the bipartisan think-tank Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), said the dominance of the party in power, violence across the country, and police cases against the opposition were all concerns. Hasina tipped to win A Facebook poll by CGS this week showed nearly 80 per cent of 4,500 respondents were in favour of the opposition. Still, Rahman predicts Hasina will retain power. And other polls show her party remains popular. Results released in September of a survey by the US-based nonprofit International Republican Institute showed 62 per cent of Bangladeshis said they thought the country was headed in the right direction, citing an improving economy. The country's garments industry that generates sales of $30 billion a year, is booming. But the survey of 5,000 respondents also found that Bangladeshis were losing confidence in democratic institutions and processes, with only 32 per cent saying they believed this election would be free and fair. Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws, which she denies. US funded political observers who were scheduled to visit to monitor elections have been forced to cancel plans due to what Washington said was Bangladesh's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary". Bangladesh's foreign ministry said it was following due process. Where are the posters? When a group of daily wage labourers gathered in Dhaka this week, supporters of both political groups said no other prime minister had helped build more roads and culverts than Hasina. But they said they should be free to elect their leader, and that a lack of campaigning by the opposition was not helping them decide. "Opposition people can't even put up election posters, can’t open election offices," said Musharraf Hussain Sharafat, 50, who works as a decorator at tents put up for weddings. "We think we won’t even be allowed to vote." In Noakhali district, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, opposition posters in two key constituencies are hardly visible. In one of them, the Awami League’s General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, was seen out seeking votes last weekend with a cavalcade of black SUVs and his area's top police officer for security. Quader smiled down from posters hung from trees, electrical wires, and plastered on walls, as loudspeakers perched atop rickshaws blared Hasina’s praises. His opponent Modud Ahmed, a former prime minister, said he had stayed in his home for most of this month out of fear of attacks. He said his supporters face assaults and threats from stick and gun-wielding Awami League student and youth wing activists. "We don't call them students," said Ahmed, Bangladesh's first postmaster-general. "We call them Hasina's armed cadres. There is a reign of terror." Quader declined to meet with Reuters despite repeated requests. Nizam Uddin, local leader of the Awami League’s student wing, rubbished Ahmed's allegations, saying instead that his own members had been attacked by BNP workers.

Ahead of Bangladesh vote, opposition says it faces 'a reign of terror'

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices.

"The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy".

"But the people are with us. They want change," he said.

The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges.

Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority.

Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term.

The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said.

The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks.

Police declined to confirm the figures.

Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair.

Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates.

"However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday.

Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election.

The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014. The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices. "The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy". "But the people are with us. They want change," he said. The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges. Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority. Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term. The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said. The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks. Police declined to confirm the figures. Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair. Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates. "However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday. Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election. The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Weakened Bangladesh opposition hopes for change in Sunday's election

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority.

The newspaper said people using the internet on their phones would not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos after the order was issued late on Thursday by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Reuters could not reach BTRC officials on Friday, a public holiday in Bangladesh, and there was no notification on the commission's website. However, a Reuters reporter could still use 4G services on his phone on Friday morning.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority.

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority. The newspaper said people using the internet on their phones would not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos after the order was issued late on Thursday by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Reuters could not reach BTRC officials on Friday, a public holiday in Bangladesh, and there was no notification on the commission's website. However, a Reuters reporter could still use 4G services on his phone on Friday morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

Bangladesh slows down mobile internet speeds ahead of election

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