Myanmar's government on Sunday insisted any delays to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees would be the fault of Bangladesh, just four days ahead of the controversial planned start date.

After repeated setbacks, the neighbouring countries declared that the first of more than 2,200 Rohingya Muslims would be repatriated on November 15, even though international NGOs and the United Nations have said conditions are not yet in place for a safe return.&nbsp;

More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state in a military crackdown in August last year.&nbsp;

Survivors brought with them testimony of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and are fearful of going back to Rakhine state without guarantees of safety, freedom of movement and citizenship.&nbsp;

Myanmar and Bangladesh signed the deal last November but the UN has repeatedly said that any repatriations must be "safe, dignified and voluntary".&nbsp;

"We are ready," declared social welfare minister Win Myat Aye to reporters in Yangon on Sunday.

Provisions at a transit camp will include clothes and food rations and the refugees will also be provided with money to help them rebuild their homes in one of 42 locations, he added.&nbsp;

But he was unable to confirm who would be in the first group to return, insisting that it was down to Bangladesh to make sure they meet the deadline this week.&nbsp;

"It depends on the other country (Bangladesh) if the repatriations will start on 15 November," he said.&nbsp;

Both governments have been pushing ahead with this first large-scale repatriation effort, pledging to bring back a total of 2,251 Rohingya at the rate of 150 individuals a day.&nbsp;

This has prompted criticism from a group of 42 aid agencies -- including Oxfam, WorldVision and Save the Children -- who say that it would be dangerous for them.&nbsp;

UN investigators have called for the country's top military brass to be prosecuted for genocide at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the crackdown.&nbsp;

Myanmar vehemently rejects the court's jurisdiction over the country and insists the military campaign was justified to defend itself against Rohingya terrorists.&nbsp;

The UN fact-finding team also said that civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government —- in a power-sharing agreement with the military —- were complicit in the atrocities against the Rohingya through their "acts and omissions".&nbsp;

She is due to speak to business leaders at a regional ASEAN forum in Singapore on Monday.&nbsp;

Myanmar's government on Sunday insisted any delays to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees would be the fault of Bangladesh, just four days ahead of the controversial planned start date.

Myanmar's government on Sunday insisted any delays to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees would be the fault of Bangladesh, just four days ahead of the controversial planned start date. After repeated setbacks, the neighbouring countries declared that the first of more than 2,200 Rohingya Muslims would be repatriated on November 15, even though international NGOs and the United Nations have said conditions are not yet in place for a safe return. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state in a military crackdown in August last year. Survivors brought with them testimony of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and are fearful of going back to Rakhine state without guarantees of safety, freedom of movement and citizenship. Myanmar and Bangladesh signed the deal last November but the UN has repeatedly said that any repatriations must be "safe, dignified and voluntary". "We are ready," declared social welfare minister Win Myat Aye to reporters in Yangon on Sunday. Provisions at a transit camp will include clothes and food rations and the refugees will also be provided with money to help them rebuild their homes in one of 42 locations, he added. But he was unable to confirm who would be in the first group to return, insisting that it was down to Bangladesh to make sure they meet the deadline this week. "It depends on the other country (Bangladesh) if the repatriations will start on 15 November," he said. Both governments have been pushing ahead with this first large-scale repatriation effort, pledging to bring back a total of 2,251 Rohingya at the rate of 150 individuals a day. This has prompted criticism from a group of 42 aid agencies -- including Oxfam, WorldVision and Save the Children -- who say that it would be dangerous for them. UN investigators have called for the country's top military brass to be prosecuted for genocide at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the crackdown. Myanmar vehemently rejects the court's jurisdiction over the country and insists the military campaign was justified to defend itself against Rohingya terrorists. The UN fact-finding team also said that civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government —- in a power-sharing agreement with the military —- were complicit in the atrocities against the Rohingya through their "acts and omissions". She is due to speak to business leaders at a regional ASEAN forum in Singapore on Monday.

Bangladesh to blame if Rohingyas return delayed: Myanmar government

Bangladesh's main opposition party announced Sunday it would not boycott next month's general election and would challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the polls, despite its leader being in jail.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party said it would contest the December 23 election but has expressed fears it will not be democratic and has threatened protests.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to walk into a second term unchallenged.

The prime minister's tenure has been marred by a crackdown on dissent in the South Asian democracy of 160 million.

The opposition says thousands of its activists have been detained in recent months, depriving it of a grassroots presence necessary to fight any polls.

BNP veteran leader Khaleda Zia remains behind bars, her prison sentence doubled last month to ten years for corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated.

The two-term prime minister has virtually no time to appeal her sentence, and will almost certainly be banned from contesting the election against her arch-rival Hasina.

The opposition has said the charges against Zia, and other party activists, were deliberately planned by Hasina's increasingly authoritarian government.

Zia's exiled son and heir apparent, Tarique Rahman, will not be able to contest the polls after being sentenced to life in prison last month over a 2004 grenade attack at Hasina's rally. He lives in exile. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The arrest of activists and prominent dissidents including student leaders and a top photographer have also cast a shadow over the buildup to the vote.

Bangladesh's main opposition party announced Sunday it would not boycott next month's general election and would challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the polls, despite its leader being in jail.

Bangladesh's main opposition party announced Sunday it would not boycott next month's general election and would challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the polls, despite its leader being in jail. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party said it would contest the December 23 election but has expressed fears it will not be democratic and has threatened protests. The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to walk into a second term unchallenged. The prime minister's tenure has been marred by a crackdown on dissent in the South Asian democracy of 160 million. The opposition says thousands of its activists have been detained in recent months, depriving it of a grassroots presence necessary to fight any polls. BNP veteran leader Khaleda Zia remains behind bars, her prison sentence doubled last month to ten years for corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated. The two-term prime minister has virtually no time to appeal her sentence, and will almost certainly be banned from contesting the election against her arch-rival Hasina. The opposition has said the charges against Zia, and other party activists, were deliberately planned by Hasina's increasingly authoritarian government. Zia's exiled son and heir apparent, Tarique Rahman, will not be able to contest the polls after being sentenced to life in prison last month over a 2004 grenade attack at Hasina's rally. He lives in exile. The arrest of activists and prominent dissidents including student leaders and a top photographer have also cast a shadow over the buildup to the vote.

Bangladesh opposition to challenge PM Hasina in election

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month.

"We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present.

The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing.

"Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls.

He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month.

BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament.

Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government.

Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest.&nbsp;

But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004.

Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast.

Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling.

The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28.

The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging. Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month. "We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present. The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing. "Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls. He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month. BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament. Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government. Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest. But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast. Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling. The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28. The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.

Bangladesh opposition BNP says will take part in polls

Bangladesh posted 207 runs for the loss of three wickets in 58 overs at tea during day one of their second and final Test match against Zimbabwe at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Sunday.

Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 115 while Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 71.

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah won the toss and decided to bat first.&nbsp;

The Tigers made three changes from the Test in Sylhet, handing debuts to Mohammad Mithun and Khaled Ahmed and bringing in Mustafizur Rahman, in place of Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Nazmul Islam and Abu Jayed respectively.

Bangladesh Squad 
Playing XI: Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaled Ahmed&nbsp;

Bench: Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Islam

Zimbabwe Squad 
Playing XI: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Brian Chari, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Regis Chakabva (wk), Brandon Mavuta, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara&nbsp;

Bench: Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, John Nyumbu, Wellington Masakadza

Bangladesh posted 207 runs for the loss of three wickets in 58 overs at tea during day one of their second and final Test match against Zimbabwe at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Sunday.

Bangladesh posted 207 runs for the loss of three wickets in 58 overs at tea during day one of their second and final Test match against Zimbabwe at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Sunday. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 115 while Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 71. Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah won the toss and decided to bat first. The Tigers made three changes from the Test in Sylhet, handing debuts to Mohammad Mithun and Khaled Ahmed and bringing in Mustafizur Rahman, in place of Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Nazmul Islam and Abu Jayed respectively. Bangladesh Squad Playing XI: Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaled Ahmed Bench: Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Islam Zimbabwe Squad Playing XI: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Brian Chari, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Regis Chakabva (wk), Brandon Mavuta, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara Bench: Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, John Nyumbu, Wellington Masakadza

2nd Test, Day 1: Bangladesh post 207/3 at tea

A plan to start repatriating Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are "terrified" about leaving&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;where they sought refuge, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said Friday.

More than 720,000<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-rohingya-flee-camps-by-boat-reviving-memories-of-2015-tragedy-176310"> Rohingya Muslims fled</a> Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after a heavy-handed army crackdown in August last year that survivors say involved mass rape and extrajudicial killings.

UN officials say the country's military leaders should be investigated for genocide but Myanmar has rebuffed the calls, arguing it was only defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.

Both&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;and Myanmar signed a repatriation agreement in November last year to allow Rohingya to return but many fear going back without guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement and safety.

However, the governments confirmed in recent weeks that they were pushing ahead with the first large-scale repatriation set for mid-November, prompting an outcry from activists who say conditions on the ground in Rakhine are not adequate to take the refugees back.

"They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received," the group of 42 aid agencies and civil society groups said in a statement that referred to the push as "dangerous." &nbsp;

"They fled to&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;to seek safety and they are very grateful to the Government of&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;for giving them a safe haven."&nbsp;

Oxfam, World Vision and Save the Children were among the groups working in Myanmar and&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;that signed the statement.

They said refugees fear living in enclosed settlements like the one in central Rakhine state, where more than 120,000 Rohingya have been confined to camps for six years since intercommunal violence erupted in the region in 2012.&nbsp;

Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, told AFP that November 15 is the estimated repatriation start date and that the plan is to receive more than 2,200 people in total at a rate of 150 per day.

But he seemed unsure if it would go ahead.

"We can confirm only on the 15th whether the people from our given list are coming or not," he said.

Northern Rakhine has been largely sealed off since the crackdown except for tightly organised government trips for media and senior visiting diplomats.

The UN has been granted access to the area to assess conditions on the ground but the approvals have been slow and the amount of territory accessible has been limited.

Authorities in&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;worry that Rohingya may once again risk travelling to other parts of Southeast Asia by boat, a route previously popular with those seeking economic opportunities outside the grim camps.

This week&nbsp;Bangladesh's coast guard rescued 33 Rohingya and detained six alleged human traffickers from a fishing trawler headed for Malaysia in the Bay of Bengal.

A plan to start repatriating Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are "terrified" about leaving Bangladesh where they sought refuge, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said Friday.

A plan to start repatriating Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar is premature and the refugees are "terrified" about leaving Bangladesh where they sought refuge, dozens of aid agencies working in the region said Friday. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after a heavy-handed army crackdown in August last year that survivors say involved mass rape and extrajudicial killings. UN officials say the country's military leaders should be investigated for genocide but Myanmar has rebuffed the calls, arguing it was only defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation agreement in November last year to allow Rohingya to return but many fear going back without guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement and safety. However, the governments confirmed in recent weeks that they were pushing ahead with the first large-scale repatriation set for mid-November, prompting an outcry from activists who say conditions on the ground in Rakhine are not adequate to take the refugees back. "They are terrified about what will happen to them if they are returned to Myanmar now, and distressed by the lack of information they have received," the group of 42 aid agencies and civil society groups said in a statement that referred to the push as "dangerous." "They fled to Bangladesh to seek safety and they are very grateful to the Government of Bangladesh for giving them a safe haven." Oxfam, World Vision and Save the Children were among the groups working in Myanmar and Bangladesh that signed the statement. They said refugees fear living in enclosed settlements like the one in central Rakhine state, where more than 120,000 Rohingya have been confined to camps for six years since intercommunal violence erupted in the region in 2012. Myint Khaing, the Maungdaw township administrator in northern Rakhine, told AFP that November 15 is the estimated repatriation start date and that the plan is to receive more than 2,200 people in total at a rate of 150 per day. But he seemed unsure if it would go ahead. "We can confirm only on the 15th whether the people from our given list are coming or not," he said. Northern Rakhine has been largely sealed off since the crackdown except for tightly organised government trips for media and senior visiting diplomats. The UN has been granted access to the area to assess conditions on the ground but the approvals have been slow and the amount of territory accessible has been limited. Authorities in Bangladesh worry that Rohingya may once again risk travelling to other parts of Southeast Asia by boat, a route previously popular with those seeking economic opportunities outside the grim camps. This week Bangladesh's coast guard rescued 33 Rohingya and detained six alleged human traffickers from a fishing trawler headed for Malaysia in the Bay of Bengal.

Aid groups say Rohingya 'terrified' about Myanmar repatriation

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday.

Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls. The opposition has expressed fears that the election will not be democratic and has threatened protests.

"Voting will be held on Sunday, December 23," Huda said, adding that nominations had to be submitted by November 19.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been sent back to jail after a month of treatment in hospital. &nbsp;

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday. Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls.

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday. Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls. The opposition has expressed fears that the election will not be democratic and has threatened protests. "Voting will be held on Sunday, December 23," Huda said, adding that nominations had to be submitted by November 19. Opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been sent back to jail after a month of treatment in hospital.

Bangladesh general election set for December 23

Bangladesh police said Tuesday they had killed the chief of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), an extremist group accused of murdering secular activists and inspiring a cafe siege that killed 22 people.

Khorshed Alam, described as the "emir" of Bangladesh's deadliest Islamist outfit, was gunned down early Tuesday morning in the northern town of Shibganj, police spokesman Sonaton Chokraborty said.

"He died before we could bring him to hospital," Chokraborty told AFP of the 38-year-old militant.

Police say Alam emerged after JMB's old guard was weakened by the execution of its former commander Shaikh Abdur Rahman, and five other top chiefs, in March 2007.

He is accused of masterminding a number of attacks across Muslim-majority Bangladesh, including most recently the murder of atheist writer and publisher Shahzahan Bachchu in the central district of Munshiganj in June.

He also spearheaded a daring ambush on a prison van in 2014 that allowed two senior JMB foot soldiers to escape, police said.

In recent years, a splinter faction inspired by JMB's earlier leadership grabbed headlines after five of its young members stormed an upmarket Dhaka cafe in July 2016 and murdered 22 people, including 18 foreigners.

Bangladesh police launched a massive crackdown on extremists since the cafe siege, killing more than 80 suspected Islamists and arresting hundreds more.

They included the alleged commanders of the new JMB faction.

JMB was founded by Bangladeshi radicals hardened from fighting in the Afghan civil war during the 1990s.

The returning extremists waged a campaign of violence across Bangladesh -- a secular democracy -- for nearly two decades, targeting religious minorities, foreign aid workers and liberal writers in bomb and knife attacks. &nbsp;

Bangladesh police said Tuesday they had killed the chief of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), an extremist group accused of murdering secular activists and inspiring a cafe siege that killed 22 people.

Bangladesh police said Tuesday they had killed the chief of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), an extremist group accused of murdering secular activists and inspiring a cafe siege that killed 22 people. Khorshed Alam, described as the "emir" of Bangladesh's deadliest Islamist outfit, was gunned down early Tuesday morning in the northern town of Shibganj, police spokesman Sonaton Chokraborty said. "He died before we could bring him to hospital," Chokraborty told AFP of the 38-year-old militant. Police say Alam emerged after JMB's old guard was weakened by the execution of its former commander Shaikh Abdur Rahman, and five other top chiefs, in March 2007. He is accused of masterminding a number of attacks across Muslim-majority Bangladesh, including most recently the murder of atheist writer and publisher Shahzahan Bachchu in the central district of Munshiganj in June. He also spearheaded a daring ambush on a prison van in 2014 that allowed two senior JMB foot soldiers to escape, police said. In recent years, a splinter faction inspired by JMB's earlier leadership grabbed headlines after five of its young members stormed an upmarket Dhaka cafe in July 2016 and murdered 22 people, including 18 foreigners. Bangladesh police launched a massive crackdown on extremists since the cafe siege, killing more than 80 suspected Islamists and arresting hundreds more. They included the alleged commanders of the new JMB faction. JMB was founded by Bangladeshi radicals hardened from fighting in the Afghan civil war during the 1990s. The returning extremists waged a campaign of violence across Bangladesh -- a secular democracy -- for nearly two decades, targeting religious minorities, foreign aid workers and liberal writers in bomb and knife attacks.

Bangladesh police say top Islamic extremist shot dead

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional.

"Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general.

The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014.

When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll.

The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters.

Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest.

"We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December.

Bangladesh's ruling party has rejected an opposition party's demand for a caretaker government it says is essential for a free and fair general election due to be held in December. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League had agreed to unprecedented talks last week with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to discuss the arrangement, on Wednesday it declared the demand was unconstitutional. "Our prime minister told them there is no provision in our constitution to form such a caretaker government," said Obaidul Quader, her party's secretary general. The BNP, which is in disarray after the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, also pressed for a caretaker government at the last general election in 2014. When that demand was not met, it boycotted the poll. The party and its allies were still undecided whether to participate in the election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Reuters. Quader said the Awami League would ensure a level playing field by preventing ministers from using government buildings or vehicles for the next three months. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics. On Wednesday the Awami League also rejected BNP demands to reconsider Khaleda's sentence, which was doubled to 10 years on October 30, so ruling her out of December's contest. "We told them the High Court already announced its verdict about Khaleda Zia," Quader said.

Bangladesh rejects opposition plea for caretaker government

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month.

Speaking at an Islamic clerics rally here, Hasina urged the clerics not to be agitated by anti-Islam propaganda on social media, saying her government has enacted tougher laws to expose to justice perpetrators of any malicious campaign regarding the religion.

"I know that a lot of propaganda spreads on social media...Do not pay any heed to them, she said.

The premier said that her government has introduced tough cyber-crime laws to deal with such malicious campaigns and anyone who spreads such false information would be exposed to justice."

She said the Saudi government will assist her government in building the mosques and the Islamic University, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina's Awami League party is considered as the secular party while her rival Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is close to hardliners.

Her move to build hundreds of mosques is seen as an attempt to woo Islamist voters who have been traditionally voting for Zia's BNP and her ally Jamaat-e-Islami, according to experts.

The rally was organised by Al-Hiyatul Ulya Lil-Zami'atil Qawmiya Bangladesh, the highest organisation of Dawra-e-Hadith of Qawmi madrasa, to honour the prime minister following her government's recognition of certifications offered by non-government madrasas as equivalent to postgraduate degrees.

Thousands of students and teachers of Qawmi madrasas attended the rally.

In a rare instance, the government earlier deferred Sunday's public exams to allow teachers and students of the Islamic seminaries to attend the rally. 
On September 18, parliament passed a bill to recognise the Dawra-e-Hadith degree as equivalent to a post-graduate degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic.&nbsp;

A large number of students are enrolled in Qawami madrasas in Muslim majority Bangladesh and the government's recognition to its highest degree appeared as a step to woo the Islamic clerics ahead of general elections.

At the rally, Qawmi leaders expressed their desire to see the prime minister in power for a third consecutive term.

"Since Sheikh Hasina has recognised (the top Qawmi madrasa degree) we want her to come to power again, so that she can fulfil the rest of our demands, Qawmi leader Fazlul Karim said.

The speakers said, "there is a change in Bangladesh now, and Qawmi leaders were not able to receive a prime minister before, with such warmth, because none had listened to their demands."&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month. Speaking at an Islamic clerics rally here, Hasina urged the clerics not to be agitated by anti-Islam propaganda on social media, saying her government has enacted tougher laws to expose to justice perpetrators of any malicious campaign regarding the religion. "I know that a lot of propaganda spreads on social media...Do not pay any heed to them, she said. The premier said that her government has introduced tough cyber-crime laws to deal with such malicious campaigns and anyone who spreads such false information would be exposed to justice." She said the Saudi government will assist her government in building the mosques and the Islamic University, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Hasina's Awami League party is considered as the secular party while her rival Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is close to hardliners. Her move to build hundreds of mosques is seen as an attempt to woo Islamist voters who have been traditionally voting for Zia's BNP and her ally Jamaat-e-Islami, according to experts. The rally was organised by Al-Hiyatul Ulya Lil-Zami'atil Qawmiya Bangladesh, the highest organisation of Dawra-e-Hadith of Qawmi madrasa, to honour the prime minister following her government's recognition of certifications offered by non-government madrasas as equivalent to postgraduate degrees. Thousands of students and teachers of Qawmi madrasas attended the rally. In a rare instance, the government earlier deferred Sunday's public exams to allow teachers and students of the Islamic seminaries to attend the rally. On September 18, parliament passed a bill to recognise the Dawra-e-Hadith degree as equivalent to a post-graduate degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic. A large number of students are enrolled in Qawami madrasas in Muslim majority Bangladesh and the government's recognition to its highest degree appeared as a step to woo the Islamic clerics ahead of general elections. At the rally, Qawmi leaders expressed their desire to see the prime minister in power for a third consecutive term. "Since Sheikh Hasina has recognised (the top Qawmi madrasa degree) we want her to come to power again, so that she can fulfil the rest of our demands, Qawmi leader Fazlul Karim said. The speakers said, "there is a change in Bangladesh now, and Qawmi leaders were not able to receive a prime minister before, with such warmth, because none had listened to their demands."

Ahead of polls, Hasina announces 560 model mosques, Islamic university in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday promised to ensure credibility of the upcoming general elections but declined to accept the opposition's demand for freeing imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia ahead of the polls as she held rare talks with an opposition front.

Hasina held the crucial talks with the newly-formed opposition National Unity Front (NUF), which includes the BNP of Zia, over the parliamentary elections scheduled for December.

PM Hasina assured them of staging fair and credible elections beyond government influence, ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader told newsmen.

He said the dialogue was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere when we agreed on some points? and agreed to continue talks whenever the discussions were required.

The door for discussions will remain open and the dialogue will continue, Quader, also the road transport minister told the media briefing.

NUF convenor and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain, who led the opposition platform in the talks, in a brief comment said it was a good discussion when we understood her (Hasina's) mind and she understood ours.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said "we are not satisfied"&nbsp;but added, "you can't achieve everything overnight, it is a continuous process".

The NUF emerged earlier this month as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand that includes dissolution of parliament to pave way for a poll-time interim government for holding a credible election.

BNP, however, insisted that the release of their party chief Zia, now serving 10-year imprisonment, was a must for the "level playing field? in the polls.

But Quader said during the talks the premier "clearly told pointing Kamal and Alamgir that the Zia was sentenced to jail terms in graft cases which was filed during the past interim government and not framed by us."

He said Hasina, however, told the NUF leaders to provide to her a list of cases against the Opposition leaders which they thought are politically motivated and assured to review them.

Quader said the NUF proposal for dissolving parliament was not acceptable.&nbsp;

The ruling Awami League's decision to hold talks with the NUF at Ganobhaban (PM's official residence) was a dramatic development as the party had earlier rejected scopes for such talks exclusively with BNP, but responded quickly to the NUF's proposal for the dialogue four days ago.

Rightwing BNP is the main Opposition party despite having no representation in parliament but Hossain leads the Opposition platform NUF, which also comprises several Left-leaning political groups and individuals as civil society representatives.&nbsp;

Hossain is a former senior Awam League leader who voluntarily quit the party in early 1990s and subsequently floated his Gano Forum as a socio-political group.

He was a former Awami League leader who led a parliamentary group in framing the post independent Bangladesh's Constitution.

Political analysts said the NUF so far could not take any political shape as it accommodated groups and individuals having contradictory views and ideologies with Hossain being its convenor.

BNP stayed away from the last parliamentary election in 2014 when that demand was not met and waged a violent street campaign in subsequent three years that saw deaths of scores. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday promised to ensure credibility of the upcoming general elections but declined to accept the opposition's demand for freeing imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia ahead of the polls as she held rare talks with an opposition front.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday promised to ensure credibility of the upcoming general elections but declined to accept the opposition's demand for freeing imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia ahead of the polls as she held rare talks with an opposition front. Hasina held the crucial talks with the newly-formed opposition National Unity Front (NUF), which includes the BNP of Zia, over the parliamentary elections scheduled for December. PM Hasina assured them of staging fair and credible elections beyond government influence, ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader told newsmen. He said the dialogue was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere when we agreed on some points? and agreed to continue talks whenever the discussions were required. The door for discussions will remain open and the dialogue will continue, Quader, also the road transport minister told the media briefing. NUF convenor and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain, who led the opposition platform in the talks, in a brief comment said it was a good discussion when we understood her (Hasina's) mind and she understood ours. BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said "we are not satisfied" but added, "you can't achieve everything overnight, it is a continuous process". The NUF emerged earlier this month as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand that includes dissolution of parliament to pave way for a poll-time interim government for holding a credible election. BNP, however, insisted that the release of their party chief Zia, now serving 10-year imprisonment, was a must for the "level playing field? in the polls. But Quader said during the talks the premier "clearly told pointing Kamal and Alamgir that the Zia was sentenced to jail terms in graft cases which was filed during the past interim government and not framed by us." He said Hasina, however, told the NUF leaders to provide to her a list of cases against the Opposition leaders which they thought are politically motivated and assured to review them. Quader said the NUF proposal for dissolving parliament was not acceptable. The ruling Awami League's decision to hold talks with the NUF at Ganobhaban (PM's official residence) was a dramatic development as the party had earlier rejected scopes for such talks exclusively with BNP, but responded quickly to the NUF's proposal for the dialogue four days ago. Rightwing BNP is the main Opposition party despite having no representation in parliament but Hossain leads the Opposition platform NUF, which also comprises several Left-leaning political groups and individuals as civil society representatives. Hossain is a former senior Awam League leader who voluntarily quit the party in early 1990s and subsequently floated his Gano Forum as a socio-political group. He was a former Awami League leader who led a parliamentary group in framing the post independent Bangladesh's Constitution. Political analysts said the NUF so far could not take any political shape as it accommodated groups and individuals having contradictory views and ideologies with Hossain being its convenor. BNP stayed away from the last parliamentary election in 2014 when that demand was not met and waged a violent street campaign in subsequent three years that saw deaths of scores.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina holds rare talks with opposition front

A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled a jail term to 10 years for former prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-7-years-in-jail-for-corruption-174143">Khaleda Zia</a> for corruption, lawyers said.

The High Court decision ruled out her chances of contesting a general election in December, Khurshid Alam Khan, a lawyer for the government told reporters.

In February, Khaleda, her son and aides were convicted of stealing 21 million taka ($253,000) in foreign donations for an orphanage trust set up when she was last prime minister, from 2001 to 2006.

She denied wrongdoing and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says her conviction in February is aimed at keeping her and her family out of politics.

"Now, there’s no chance for the BNP chief to contest the next election," Khan said.

Khaleda and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both related to former national leaders, have dominated politics in poverty-stricken Bangladesh for more than two decades, nursing a long and bitter rivalry.

A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled a jail term to 10 years for former prime minister Khaleda Zia for corruption, lawyers said. The High Court decision ruled out her chances of contesting a general election in December, Khurshid Alam Khan, a lawyer for the government told reporters.

A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled a jail term to 10 years for former prime minister Khaleda Zia for corruption, lawyers said. The High Court decision ruled out her chances of contesting a general election in December, Khurshid Alam Khan, a lawyer for the government told reporters. In February, Khaleda, her son and aides were convicted of stealing 21 million taka ($253,000) in foreign donations for an orphanage trust set up when she was last prime minister, from 2001 to 2006. She denied wrongdoing and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says her conviction in February is aimed at keeping her and her family out of politics. "Now, there’s no chance for the BNP chief to contest the next election," Khan said. Khaleda and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both related to former national leaders, have dominated politics in poverty-stricken Bangladesh for more than two decades, nursing a long and bitter rivalry.

Bangladesh court doubles jail term for ex-PM Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges.

That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison.

In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund.

The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate.

Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents.

The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict.

"The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters.

This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December.

Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power.

The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina.

But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown.

Family feud&nbsp;

Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million.

"We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP.

Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup.

She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless.

Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics.

In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail.&nbsp;

A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless.

Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison.

A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional.

It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption.

Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month.

He lives in exile in London.

Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others.

Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero.

The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question.

In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case.

Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election.

Bangladesh's imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was handed another seven years in prison Monday on corruption charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her running in a general election. Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges. That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of loyalists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison. In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and embezzling 31.5 million taka ($375,000) destined for a charitable fund. The verdict was handed down in a temporary courtroom inside Dhaka Central Jail where Zia -- who has been hospitalised for poor health -- is the only inmate. Her lawyers, who were also absent during the verdict, have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance" by Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents. The opposition vowed nationwide marches on Tuesday to protest against the guilty verdict. "The people will never accept this judgement," BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. This fresh conviction is expected to further impede Zia's chances of challenging her erstwhile ally Hasina in an election slated for December. Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her arch-rival Hasina returned to power. The BNP had been hoping a higher court would overturn Zia's earlier sentence, setting her free and paving the way for the veteran opposition leader to run against Hasina. But the latest guilty verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown. Family feud Prosecutor Khurshid A. Khan said the latest charges against Zia occurred in 2005, during her second term as prime minister of the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million. "We finally got justice, despite some delay," he told AFP. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th century jail. A physician said earlier this month that arthritis had rendered Zia's left hand useless. Her lawyers argued that the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. A special courtroom inside the prison was set up to fast track her trial -- a move her lawyers described as unconstitutional. It is not Zia's first time in prison. She and her son Tarique Rahman spent one and a half years behind bars after being held by army-backed government in 2007 awaiting trial for alleged corruption. Zia's sentencing was yet another blow for her political dynasty with Rahman, her eldest and heir apparent to the opposition movement, jailed for life in absentia this month. He lives in exile in London. Rahman was found guilty of playing a key role in a 2004 grenade attack on one of Hasina's political rallies, which injured the then opposition leader and killed at least 20 others. Nineteen people were sentenced to death over the attack on Hasina, whose father led Bangladesh's push for independence from Pakistan and long feuded with Zia's own father, an opposition hero. The guilty verdict comes at a time when the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question. In a recently-published best-selling memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case. Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Rahman.

Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia handed another seven years in prison on corruption charges

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday.

Agrocorp International made the lowest offer of $297.20 a tonne, including CIF liner out, in the tender, which was issued late last month by the Directorate General of Food, the procurement agency.

"We are cancelling the tender as the offer is high considering global wheat prices," said a senior official at the Directorate General of Food.

Another official at the agency said the tender could be reissued within a short time, confirming the scrapping of the tender.

Three other trading houses competed for the tender. SSOE offered $297.96 a tonne, Aston $297.89 and Phoenix Commodities $308.43 a tonne.

The state grains buyer received the lowest offer of $291.93 a tonne CIF liner out from trading house Swiss Singapore Overseas in its latest tender, closed last week.

Agrocorp International, however, secured a previous tender, quoting the lowest offer of $270.89 a tonne C&amp;F liner out, in which it is supplying Russian wheat.

Bangladesh has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat because supply from India has dwindled as it meets growing domestic demand.

The south Asian country imports around 6 million tonnes of wheat, making it one of the world's biggest importers of the grain. Bangladesh's output has stagnated at around 1 million tonnes.

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday.

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday. Agrocorp International made the lowest offer of $297.20 a tonne, including CIF liner out, in the tender, which was issued late last month by the Directorate General of Food, the procurement agency. "We are cancelling the tender as the offer is high considering global wheat prices," said a senior official at the Directorate General of Food. Another official at the agency said the tender could be reissued within a short time, confirming the scrapping of the tender. Three other trading houses competed for the tender. SSOE offered $297.96 a tonne, Aston $297.89 and Phoenix Commodities $308.43 a tonne. The state grains buyer received the lowest offer of $291.93 a tonne CIF liner out from trading house Swiss Singapore Overseas in its latest tender, closed last week. Agrocorp International, however, secured a previous tender, quoting the lowest offer of $270.89 a tonne C&F liner out, in which it is supplying Russian wheat. Bangladesh has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat because supply from India has dwindled as it meets growing domestic demand. The south Asian country imports around 6 million tonnes of wheat, making it one of the world's biggest importers of the grain. Bangladesh's output has stagnated at around 1 million tonnes.

Bangladesh to cancel tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat

&nbsp;A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday sent a prominent pro-opposition editor to jail rejecting his bail plea after his overnight arrest on a defamation charge, days after he faced massive criticism for describing a woman journalist as "characterless" on a TV talk show.

"Rejected," pronounced Dhaka's additional chief metropolitan magistrate Kaisarul Islam after a brief hearing on Moinul Hosein's bail plea after the 78-year-old appeared in the dock under heavy police escort.

Immediately after the order, police officers whisked away Hosein, himself a lawyer, to be sent to Dhaka Central Jail.

Plainclothesmen arrested Hosein, a former adviser and minister in the past caretaker government in 2007-2008, last night in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by a court in northwestern Rangpur.

Hosein had a played a key role in the formation of the recently-floated Unity Front, an alliance between the main opposition outside parliament - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - and several other left- and right-wing political groups and individuals.

In a talk show on October 16, journalist Masuda Bhatti had asked Hosein if he represented the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami in the Unity Front, as was speculated on social media.

"I thank you for your audacity (in asking the question) and want to call you a 'characterless' (person)," an angry Hosein replied.

Bhatti later said Hosein called her to apologise after the talk show but he still faces at least seven defamation cases filed nationwide by women's rights groups, and has been severely criticised.

One of the cases was filed by Bhatti herself while Hosein managed to secure bail from the high court in three of the cases but police said they arrested him in a case where he was not protected under the high court order.

Hosein, owner and editor of the New Nation daily, is a well-known critic of the government and though he does not belong to any party, the 78-year-old is known for his right-wing political views.&nbsp;

The BNP denounced his arrest and demanded his release while several lawyers close to the party appeared in court as Hosein's counsels in the bail plea hearing.

Hosein is the former chairman of the Board of Editors of the 'Daily Ittefaq', one of the country's oldest newspapers.

His younger brother Anwar Hosein is a senior minister in the Cabinet as his faction of the Jatiya Party (JP) is a partner of the Awami League-led ruling coalition.

Hours ahead of the arrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said that Hosein deserved punitive actions for his defamatory comments against a "lady colleague of yours".

She also described him as "an agent of the 1971 Pakistani forces" and "no less responsible" for the killing of journalist Serajuddin Hossain during the 1971 Liberation War.&nbsp;

A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday sent a prominent pro-opposition editor to jail rejecting his bail plea after his overnight arrest on a defamation charge, days after he faced massive criticism for describing a woman journalist as "characterless" on a TV talk show.

A Bangladeshi court on Tuesday sent a prominent pro-opposition editor to jail rejecting his bail plea after his overnight arrest on a defamation charge, days after he faced massive criticism for describing a woman journalist as "characterless" on a TV talk show. "Rejected," pronounced Dhaka's additional chief metropolitan magistrate Kaisarul Islam after a brief hearing on Moinul Hosein's bail plea after the 78-year-old appeared in the dock under heavy police escort. Immediately after the order, police officers whisked away Hosein, himself a lawyer, to be sent to Dhaka Central Jail. Plainclothesmen arrested Hosein, a former adviser and minister in the past caretaker government in 2007-2008, last night in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by a court in northwestern Rangpur. Hosein had a played a key role in the formation of the recently-floated Unity Front, an alliance between the main opposition outside parliament - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - and several other left- and right-wing political groups and individuals. In a talk show on October 16, journalist Masuda Bhatti had asked Hosein if he represented the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami in the Unity Front, as was speculated on social media. "I thank you for your audacity (in asking the question) and want to call you a 'characterless' (person)," an angry Hosein replied. Bhatti later said Hosein called her to apologise after the talk show but he still faces at least seven defamation cases filed nationwide by women's rights groups, and has been severely criticised. One of the cases was filed by Bhatti herself while Hosein managed to secure bail from the high court in three of the cases but police said they arrested him in a case where he was not protected under the high court order. Hosein, owner and editor of the New Nation daily, is a well-known critic of the government and though he does not belong to any party, the 78-year-old is known for his right-wing political views. The BNP denounced his arrest and demanded his release while several lawyers close to the party appeared in court as Hosein's counsels in the bail plea hearing. Hosein is the former chairman of the Board of Editors of the 'Daily Ittefaq', one of the country's oldest newspapers. His younger brother Anwar Hosein is a senior minister in the Cabinet as his faction of the Jatiya Party (JP) is a partner of the Awami League-led ruling coalition. Hours ahead of the arrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said that Hosein deserved punitive actions for his defamatory comments against a "lady colleague of yours". She also described him as "an agent of the 1971 Pakistani forces" and "no less responsible" for the killing of journalist Serajuddin Hossain during the 1971 Liberation War.

Bangladeshi editor jailed on defamation charge

The famous Bangladeshi singer, songwriter and a guitarist&nbsp;Ayub Bachchu passed away on Thursday at his residence in Dhaka.&nbsp;

The singer suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to Square Hospital where&nbsp;he was declared dead at 8:40 am, reports said.

The singer aged 56, already had heart problems and underwent heart valve surgery in 2009. According to the doctor treating him, Bachchu had been going for regular check-ups ever since.&nbsp;

“Bachchu underwent heart valve surgery in 2009 and was a regular patient at this hospital. He continued to suffer from heart tissue damage and health complications,'' said Dr. Mirza Nizamuddin.&nbsp;

He further added,''Ayub Bachchu suffered heart failure at his home around 8:30 am and left for Square Hospital with his driver by car. He died on his way to the hospital. He was found dead on arrival after he reached the hospital at 8:40 am. On-duty doctors announced his death at 8:55 am.”

The singer gave many hits in his lifetime, 'Ami To Preme Porini', 'Koshto Pete Bhalobashi, 'Cholo Bodle Jai”, from the 1996 “Ferari” album, is one of the most loved songs in Bangladeshi music.&nbsp;

The singer's&nbsp;'namaz-e-janaza' will be held at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Friday while the burial will take place at his family graveyard in Chittagong.

The famous Bangladeshi singer, songwriter and a guitarist Ayub Bachchu passed away on Thursday at his residence in Dhaka. The singer suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to Square Hospital where he was declared dead at 8:40 am, reports said.

The famous Bangladeshi singer, songwriter and a guitarist Ayub Bachchu passed away on Thursday at his residence in Dhaka. The singer suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to Square Hospital where he was declared dead at 8:40 am, reports said. The singer aged 56, already had heart problems and underwent heart valve surgery in 2009. According to the doctor treating him, Bachchu had been going for regular check-ups ever since. “Bachchu underwent heart valve surgery in 2009 and was a regular patient at this hospital. He continued to suffer from heart tissue damage and health complications,'' said Dr. Mirza Nizamuddin. He further added,''Ayub Bachchu suffered heart failure at his home around 8:30 am and left for Square Hospital with his driver by car. He died on his way to the hospital. He was found dead on arrival after he reached the hospital at 8:40 am. On-duty doctors announced his death at 8:55 am.” The singer gave many hits in his lifetime, 'Ami To Preme Porini', 'Koshto Pete Bhalobashi, 'Cholo Bodle Jai”, from the 1996 “Ferari” album, is one of the most loved songs in Bangladeshi music. The singer's 'namaz-e-janaza' will be held at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Friday while the burial will take place at his family graveyard in Chittagong.

Bangladeshi singer Ayub Bachchu passed away, suffered cardiac arrrest

The Bangladesh Army on Saturday sharply reacted to the comment made by a pro-opposition rights activist questioning the military chief's integrity and called it a deliberate attempt to belittle the force's top position and bring down the morale of its personnel.&nbsp;

Dr Jafarulah Chowdhury,75, during a talk show of Somoy TV on October 9 stated that a huge quantum of military weapons and ammunitions "went missing, were stolen or sold out" from the army's arsenal in north-eastern Chattogram area when the incumbent army chief General Aziz Ahmed was the commander.

Chowdhury, who is also a doctor and the founder of non-government Ganashasthya Kendra hospital and medical college, said that the incident exposed Aziz to a court-martial.

Chowdhury is currently spearheading a media campaign accusing the incumbent government of misrule and politicising the administration ahead of the elections slated for December this year.

The army called Chowdhury's comment completely untrue, misleading and motivated and aimed to belittle a state organisation like the Army before the people, apart from affecting Ahmed's personal reputation, social status and his official position.

"In a different way it misled every serving military personnel and affected negatively their morale. Besides such a misleading campaign harmed the solidarity and unity of a disciplined force like army which is unexpected," said the Army in a statement.

"It was an untrue and irresponsible comment . . . Because General Aziz in his service life never served as the GOC or commandant of Chattogram," the statement said.

It also mentioned that Ahmed never faced any court martial in his career.&nbsp;

"It is especially mentionable that present Chief of Army Staff Aziz Ahmed did never face any court-martial during his long colourful army career," the statement said.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh Army on Saturday sharply reacted to the comment made by a pro-opposition rights activist questioning the military chief's integrity and called it a deliberate attempt to belittle the force's top position and bring down the morale of its personnel.

The Bangladesh Army on Saturday sharply reacted to the comment made by a pro-opposition rights activist questioning the military chief's integrity and called it a deliberate attempt to belittle the force's top position and bring down the morale of its personnel. Dr Jafarulah Chowdhury,75, during a talk show of Somoy TV on October 9 stated that a huge quantum of military weapons and ammunitions "went missing, were stolen or sold out" from the army's arsenal in north-eastern Chattogram area when the incumbent army chief General Aziz Ahmed was the commander. Chowdhury, who is also a doctor and the founder of non-government Ganashasthya Kendra hospital and medical college, said that the incident exposed Aziz to a court-martial. Chowdhury is currently spearheading a media campaign accusing the incumbent government of misrule and politicising the administration ahead of the elections slated for December this year. The army called Chowdhury's comment completely untrue, misleading and motivated and aimed to belittle a state organisation like the Army before the people, apart from affecting Ahmed's personal reputation, social status and his official position. "In a different way it misled every serving military personnel and affected negatively their morale. Besides such a misleading campaign harmed the solidarity and unity of a disciplined force like army which is unexpected," said the Army in a statement. "It was an untrue and irresponsible comment . . . Because General Aziz in his service life never served as the GOC or commandant of Chattogram," the statement said. It also mentioned that Ahmed never faced any court martial in his career. "It is especially mentionable that present Chief of Army Staff Aziz Ahmed did never face any court-martial during his long colourful army career," the statement said.

Bangladesh Army protests untrue comments against its chief

JKNPP activists Sunday staged a protest in Jammu, seeking immediate deportation of illegally settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu and Kashmir winter capital.&nbsp;

Led by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh, over a dozen party activists assembled at the Exhibition ground and held a demonstration to press for early deportation of the foreign immigrants.

They burnt an effigy of the Centre alleging that it had failed to evict these unlawful foreigners and raised slogans 'Chodho Hamara Jammu Pradesh, Rohingyas Jaao Bangladesh' and 'Rohingyas, Bangladeshis go back'.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The natives of Myanmar and Bangladesh have already been identified in Jammu city and its adjacent areas, and as such they should be immediately deported from Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said.

"Don't pass statements, just act... Do not test the patience of the nationalist Dogras. Deport them (Rohingyas and Bangladeshis) otherwise the nasty situation could lead to devastating socio-political conflict between the hosts and the unlawful foreigners, the JKNPP leader warned.&nbsp;

Claiming that the people were sick of the stereotype statements issued by Central leaders for mere media consumption, Singh alleged that while the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis were settled in Jammu during the Congress-National Conference rule, the BJP had been hand in glove with its erstwhile ally PDP in providing them all kinds of civic amenities to settle them in and around the city under a deep-rooted conspiracy to reduce Dogras to minority.

They had illegally built slums at some of the congested colonies in Jammu city and managed to procure permanent resident certificates, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, free water and electric connections, besides admissions of their children in government schools, he claimed.

Singh said despite proven "criminal antecedents"&nbsp;of Rohingyas, the Centre and the governor administration were not taking cognisance of the alarming situation which could explode and flare up tension in the entire Jammu province.

With the illegal settlement of these foreign immigrants, not only the demography of Jammu city and its peripheral areas are under threat but they had become a hub of serious crimes, he alleged.

The JKNPP leader claimed that the illegal immigrants described as "ticking time bombs" by the intelligentsia had been found active in fuelling narco-smuggling, human trafficking, child abductions, beggary, border crossing and other crimes.&nbsp;

Besides, they enjoy the patronage of various radical terror outfits active in the valley, he alleged.

JKNPP activists Sunday staged a protest in Jammu, seeking immediate deportation of illegally settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu and Kashmir winter capital.

JKNPP activists Sunday staged a protest in Jammu, seeking immediate deportation of illegally settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu and Kashmir winter capital. Led by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh, over a dozen party activists assembled at the Exhibition ground and held a demonstration to press for early deportation of the foreign immigrants. They burnt an effigy of the Centre alleging that it had failed to evict these unlawful foreigners and raised slogans 'Chodho Hamara Jammu Pradesh, Rohingyas Jaao Bangladesh' and 'Rohingyas, Bangladeshis go back'. The natives of Myanmar and Bangladesh have already been identified in Jammu city and its adjacent areas, and as such they should be immediately deported from Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said. "Don't pass statements, just act... Do not test the patience of the nationalist Dogras. Deport them (Rohingyas and Bangladeshis) otherwise the nasty situation could lead to devastating socio-political conflict between the hosts and the unlawful foreigners, the JKNPP leader warned. Claiming that the people were sick of the stereotype statements issued by Central leaders for mere media consumption, Singh alleged that while the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis were settled in Jammu during the Congress-National Conference rule, the BJP had been hand in glove with its erstwhile ally PDP in providing them all kinds of civic amenities to settle them in and around the city under a deep-rooted conspiracy to reduce Dogras to minority. They had illegally built slums at some of the congested colonies in Jammu city and managed to procure permanent resident certificates, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, free water and electric connections, besides admissions of their children in government schools, he claimed. Singh said despite proven "criminal antecedents" of Rohingyas, the Centre and the governor administration were not taking cognisance of the alarming situation which could explode and flare up tension in the entire Jammu province. With the illegal settlement of these foreign immigrants, not only the demography of Jammu city and its peripheral areas are under threat but they had become a hub of serious crimes, he alleged. The JKNPP leader claimed that the illegal immigrants described as "ticking time bombs" by the intelligentsia had been found active in fuelling narco-smuggling, human trafficking, child abductions, beggary, border crossing and other crimes. Besides, they enjoy the patronage of various radical terror outfits active in the valley, he alleged.

JKNPP demands immediate deportation of Rohingyas, Bangladeshis from Jammu

Bangladesh's annual inflation eased in September to its lowest since March 2017, the statistics bureau said on Sunday, as food prices rose at a slower pace.

Consumer prices in September rose 5.43 per cent from a year earlier, slowing from an increase of 5.48 per cent the previous month.

Food prices were 5.42 per cent higher than a year earlier in September, lower than August's 5.97 per cent rise. In contrast, the non-food inflation rate climbed to 5.45 per cent from 4.73 per cent the previous month.

Bangladesh's annual inflation eased in September to its lowest since March 2017, the statistics bureau said on Sunday, as food prices rose at a slower pace. Consumer prices in September rose 5.

Bangladesh's annual inflation eased in September to its lowest since March 2017, the statistics bureau said on Sunday, as food prices rose at a slower pace. Consumer prices in September rose 5.43 per cent from a year earlier, slowing from an increase of 5.48 per cent the previous month. Food prices were 5.42 per cent higher than a year earlier in September, lower than August's 5.97 per cent rise. In contrast, the non-food inflation rate climbed to 5.45 per cent from 4.73 per cent the previous month.

Bangladesh inflation cools to 5.43%, lowest since March 2017

Bangladesh has emerged as a middle-income country from a less developed one, the country's assistant high commissioner here, Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur has said.

The country has focused on ensuring no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, clean vision and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, economic growth in industry, innovation, infrastructure and reduced inequalities, he said.

"Bangladesh has a remarkable development story and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has focused on Vision 2041 whereby the country will transit from a middle income to a developed country," Monsur said while addressing a seminar on 'Opportunities for Enhancing Bangladesh-India Relationship on the basis of development' here Thursday night.

The Bangladesh assistant high commissioner praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a "practical leader" who laid stress on the "neighbourhood policy" where all neighbouring countries live like a family.

Bangladesh and India have a shared heritage and both countries cannot develop without mutual cooperation, Chairperson Centre for Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University Dr S K Bharadwaj said in his key-note address.

"There have been bilateral irritants in the past like the border issues and migration but India has applied varying approaches in dealing with its neighbours," he said.

Over the decades, the relationship between the two countries has been determined by three core factors--Bengali cultural identity, religious identity and small state imperative, he claimed.

Assam chief secretary Alok Kumar and additional chief secretary (Industries and Commerce) Ravi Kapoor both stressed on the need for increased connectivity through the various transportation and digital networks which will enhance trade and commerce between Bangladesh and North East India.

Assam Director General of Police, Kuladhar Saikia highlighted the cultural and emotional connection between the two countries.

The seminar, organised by the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner's office here, was a part of the Fourth Development Fair of the Government of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has emerged as a middle-income country from a less developed one, the country's assistant high commissioner here, Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur has said.

Bangladesh has emerged as a middle-income country from a less developed one, the country's assistant high commissioner here, Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur has said. The country has focused on ensuring no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, clean vision and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, economic growth in industry, innovation, infrastructure and reduced inequalities, he said. "Bangladesh has a remarkable development story and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has focused on Vision 2041 whereby the country will transit from a middle income to a developed country," Monsur said while addressing a seminar on 'Opportunities for Enhancing Bangladesh-India Relationship on the basis of development' here Thursday night. The Bangladesh assistant high commissioner praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a "practical leader" who laid stress on the "neighbourhood policy" where all neighbouring countries live like a family. Bangladesh and India have a shared heritage and both countries cannot develop without mutual cooperation, Chairperson Centre for Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University Dr S K Bharadwaj said in his key-note address. "There have been bilateral irritants in the past like the border issues and migration but India has applied varying approaches in dealing with its neighbours," he said. Over the decades, the relationship between the two countries has been determined by three core factors--Bengali cultural identity, religious identity and small state imperative, he claimed. Assam chief secretary Alok Kumar and additional chief secretary (Industries and Commerce) Ravi Kapoor both stressed on the need for increased connectivity through the various transportation and digital networks which will enhance trade and commerce between Bangladesh and North East India. Assam Director General of Police, Kuladhar Saikia highlighted the cultural and emotional connection between the two countries. The seminar, organised by the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner's office here, was a part of the Fourth Development Fair of the Government of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh a middle income country now: Asst High Commissioner

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input&nbsp;indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), under the cover of diplomats' meeting, is secretly reaching out to terror groups in Bangladesh, asking them to plan terror attacks in Bangladesh and India, sources from intelligence agency told.&nbsp;

"One Pak diplomat of Pak High Commission posted in Dhaka held a secret meeting recently with a Bangladeshi terror group and promised to arrange an arms training for a batch of nearly 100 newly recruited terrorists for suicidal attacks. Input suggests that some of them would be sent to West Bengal for terror attacks after completing training." an intelligence officer told Zee Media.

Recently, the Sheikh Hasina government refused to accept the new Pakistan envoy, alleging that Pakistan is using diplomacy as a cover for ISI activities. Bangladesh Government believes that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has emerged as a centre of anti-government activities as well as similar activities against India.

“This is of serious concern to India as well as for Bangladesh, We are aware of how Pakistan is using their diplomats to destabilized India. Most of the diplomats are ISI undercover agents. There are reports that the Pakistan High Commissions in Dhaka is also involved in distributing fake Indian currency notes," an officer working in the security agency stated.

Another Intelligence report sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs last month has revealed that the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) held a secret meeting to discuss carrying out attacks during the Bangladesh general elections. It is being reported that, during the meeting, the terror outfit discussed plans to buy weapons and suicidal vests with the help of other terrorist groups in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, it was decided to recruit 300 more new cadres before the general election in Bangladesh. The group is also trying to conduct a two-week training in Chittagong district with a plan to establish 50 new training centres in various districts of Bangladesh with the help of Lashker terrorists of Pakistani origin.

Bangladesh is slated to hold the country's 11th national election in the third week of December this year as the term of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League (AL) party comes to an end in January 2019.

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India.

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), under the cover of diplomats' meeting, is secretly reaching out to terror groups in Bangladesh, asking them to plan terror attacks in Bangladesh and India, sources from intelligence agency told. "One Pak diplomat of Pak High Commission posted in Dhaka held a secret meeting recently with a Bangladeshi terror group and promised to arrange an arms training for a batch of nearly 100 newly recruited terrorists for suicidal attacks. Input suggests that some of them would be sent to West Bengal for terror attacks after completing training." an intelligence officer told Zee Media. Recently, the Sheikh Hasina government refused to accept the new Pakistan envoy, alleging that Pakistan is using diplomacy as a cover for ISI activities. Bangladesh Government believes that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has emerged as a centre of anti-government activities as well as similar activities against India. “This is of serious concern to India as well as for Bangladesh, We are aware of how Pakistan is using their diplomats to destabilized India. Most of the diplomats are ISI undercover agents. There are reports that the Pakistan High Commissions in Dhaka is also involved in distributing fake Indian currency notes," an officer working in the security agency stated. Another Intelligence report sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs last month has revealed that the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) held a secret meeting to discuss carrying out attacks during the Bangladesh general elections. It is being reported that, during the meeting, the terror outfit discussed plans to buy weapons and suicidal vests with the help of other terrorist groups in Bangladesh. During the meeting, it was decided to recruit 300 more new cadres before the general election in Bangladesh. The group is also trying to conduct a two-week training in Chittagong district with a plan to establish 50 new training centres in various districts of Bangladesh with the help of Lashker terrorists of Pakistani origin. Bangladesh is slated to hold the country's 11th national election in the third week of December this year as the term of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League (AL) party comes to an end in January 2019.

Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka orchestrating terror attacks in West Bengal: Report

'Better to die in India than return to Myanmar', say Rohingya refugees

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday agreed upon the importance of conducting an independent investigation over the Rakhine state issue.

At a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine State at a bilateral meeting held after the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit in Tokyo.

Over the last year, more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN&nbsp;agencies, following a military response to attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents.

A recent UN&nbsp;report accused Myanmar's military of gang rapes and mass killings with "genocidal intent" in Rakhine and called for its commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

Myanmar has denied most of the allegations in the report, blaming Rohingya "terrorists" for most accounts of atrocities.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday agreed upon the importance of conducting an independent investigation over the Rakhine state issue.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday agreed upon the importance of conducting an independent investigation over the Rakhine state issue. At a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine State at a bilateral meeting held after the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit in Tokyo. Over the last year, more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN agencies, following a military response to attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents. A recent UN report accused Myanmar's military of gang rapes and mass killings with "genocidal intent" in Rakhine and called for its commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. Myanmar has denied most of the allegations in the report, blaming Rohingya "terrorists" for most accounts of atrocities.

Japan, Myanmar reaffirm importance of independent investigation in Rakhine State

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said.

The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, government lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kazal told reporters.

Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases.

The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray.

The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers.

Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power.

"The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down.

The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid.

"The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge."

Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling.

"We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said.

A Bangladesh court on Wednesday sentenced Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in opposition, lawyers said. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, government lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kazal told reporters. Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases. The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray. The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers. Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power. "The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down. The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid. "The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge." Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling. "We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

Bangladesh opposition chief sentenced to life in 2004 blasts case

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition.

Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases.

The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray.

The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers.

Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power.

"The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down.

The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid.

"The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge."

Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling.

"We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition.

A Bangladesh court will rule on Wednesday in a case in which most of the leaders of the main opposition party are accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a public rally 14 years ago, when she herself was in opposition. Among those facing charges is Tarique Rahman who is leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from London while his mother and the former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, is jailed in separate graft cases. The court ruling comes just months ahead of a national election in which Hasina will be seeking a third consecutive term in office while the opposition remains in disarray. The case relates to an attack on a public rally organised by Hasina's Awami League in the capital, Dhaka, in August 2004 while she was in opposition. Minutes into her speech, assailants threw grenades into the rally, killing 24 and wounding more than 500, most of them party workers. Hasina escaped injuries. Her party blamed the BNP for mounting the attack that occurred while her bitter foe Khaleda was in power. "The target was Sheikh Hasina and all the leaders of her party," said Motahar Hossain, a deputy attorney general. Hossain, who led the prosecution case, said he would ask for the death penalty if a guilty verdict is handed down. The case is likely to further deepen the divisions in country's volatile politics. Hasina is already facing criticism of crushing dissent and of putting rivals behind bars to strengthen her re-election bid. "The government is trying to implicate top leaders of the opposition," said Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP. "This is nothing but political revenge." Khaleda was jailed in February for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. Her son, Tarique Rahman, was also convicted and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, though he now lives in exile in London. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said police will be on high alert for Wednesday's ruling. "We will deal with anyone disturbing public disorder with an iron hand."

Bangladesh court to rule on 2004 blasts targeting PM Hasina

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court.

A UN fact-finding mission has called for Myanmar's top brass to be investigated for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes over a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state that forced more than 720,000 of the beleaguered minority to flee the country to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Myanmar has dismissed the allegations, slamming the UN body as biased, and the government has set up its own committee to investigate the crimes.&nbsp;

But UN special rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee -- who has been barred from entering the country since December -- said the government has shown little capacity for an unbiased probe into the violence, saying it has taken "limited and insufficient steps".&nbsp;

"[Myanmar] is unable and unwilling to discharge its obligation to conduct credible, prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions," Lee said in a report she published via her Twitter account on Monday.

Given Myanmar's refusal to hold itself accountable, she added, it was up to international courts to seek justice.&nbsp;

"The onus is on the international community to take action," she warned. "Any delay in instituting justice will only result in more violations."

In her conclusions, she recommended the UN should "refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court immediately".

The northern part of Rakhine has been on lockdown since the violence broke out last August, with journalists and observers only allowed to visit on short, chaperoned trips.&nbsp;

UN investigators -- who authored the explosive fact-finding report -- were not allowed into the country while Lee has been barred from entering Myanmar since December for her sharp criticisms of the government's treatment of the Rohingya.

Lee said she had asked India for permission to meet Rohingya refugees there but received no response from Delhi.

Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi -- once lionised by the international community as a democracy icon -- has seen a sharp fall from grace following her refusal to speak out against the military.&nbsp;

The UN fact-finding mission has pointed out that her government's attempts to whitewash facts had worsened the situation for the embattled Rohingya.

Lee also raised alarm over declining press freedom in Myanmar after Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were jailed for seven years each after reporting on the military's role in the massacre of 10 Rohingya men in Inn Din village in northern Rakhine.

Describing their prosecution as "spurious", she called for the pair to be released immediately.&nbsp;

The military has denied almost all accusations of genocide levelled against it, insisting that "clearance operations" were necessary to fight Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court has ruled that an investigation will go ahead as Bangladesh -- which has received the Rohingya refugees fleeing across the border -- is a signatory of the Rome statute that created the court.&nbsp;

Myanmar has not signed the statute, and a minister told the UN General Assembly that his government rejected the "dubious intervention".

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court.

Myanmar is "unable and unwilling" to investigate its abuses against Rohingya Muslims, a UN rights envoy has said, bolstering calls for the country's generals to be hauled before an international court. A UN fact-finding mission has called for Myanmar's top brass to be investigated for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes over a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state that forced more than 720,000 of the beleaguered minority to flee the country to Bangladesh. Myanmar has dismissed the allegations, slamming the UN body as biased, and the government has set up its own committee to investigate the crimes. But UN special rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee -- who has been barred from entering the country since December -- said the government has shown little capacity for an unbiased probe into the violence, saying it has taken "limited and insufficient steps". "[Myanmar] is unable and unwilling to discharge its obligation to conduct credible, prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions," Lee said in a report she published via her Twitter account on Monday. Given Myanmar's refusal to hold itself accountable, she added, it was up to international courts to seek justice. "The onus is on the international community to take action," she warned. "Any delay in instituting justice will only result in more violations." In her conclusions, she recommended the UN should "refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court immediately". The northern part of Rakhine has been on lockdown since the violence broke out last August, with journalists and observers only allowed to visit on short, chaperoned trips. UN investigators -- who authored the explosive fact-finding report -- were not allowed into the country while Lee has been barred from entering Myanmar since December for her sharp criticisms of the government's treatment of the Rohingya. Lee said she had asked India for permission to meet Rohingya refugees there but received no response from Delhi. Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi -- once lionised by the international community as a democracy icon -- has seen a sharp fall from grace following her refusal to speak out against the military. The UN fact-finding mission has pointed out that her government's attempts to whitewash facts had worsened the situation for the embattled Rohingya. Lee also raised alarm over declining press freedom in Myanmar after Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were jailed for seven years each after reporting on the military's role in the massacre of 10 Rohingya men in Inn Din village in northern Rakhine. Describing their prosecution as "spurious", she called for the pair to be released immediately. The military has denied almost all accusations of genocide levelled against it, insisting that "clearance operations" were necessary to fight Rohingya militants. The International Criminal Court has ruled that an investigation will go ahead as Bangladesh -- which has received the Rohingya refugees fleeing across the border -- is a signatory of the Rome statute that created the court. Myanmar has not signed the statute, and a minister told the UN General Assembly that his government rejected the "dubious intervention".

Myanmar 'unwilling' to probe Rohingya abuse, UN must act: Rights envoy

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech.

Shahidul Alam, an award-winning photographer, was detained in August on suspicion of spreading "propaganda and false information" during widespread student protests.

He was picked up from his home hours after giving an interview to Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption - accusations the government dismissed.

The 63-year-old had also posted comments on social media saying that a student wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party was trying to attack the protesters - accusations that were also denied.

The High Court on Sunday heard Alam's appeal against the decision of a lower court to deny him bail last month. It issued the notice to the government and asked it to reply within a week, Alam's lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Reuters after the hearing.

Bangladesh's Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared in court on behalf of the government and said bail would hamper the on-going investigation.

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder and first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is facing national elections in December.

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech.

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech. Shahidul Alam, an award-winning photographer, was detained in August on suspicion of spreading "propaganda and false information" during widespread student protests. He was picked up from his home hours after giving an interview to Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption - accusations the government dismissed. The 63-year-old had also posted comments on social media saying that a student wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party was trying to attack the protesters - accusations that were also denied. The High Court on Sunday heard Alam's appeal against the decision of a lower court to deny him bail last month. It issued the notice to the government and asked it to reply within a week, Alam's lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Reuters after the hearing. Bangladesh's Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared in court on behalf of the government and said bail would hamper the on-going investigation. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder and first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is facing national elections in December.

Bangladesh court asks government why jailed photographer should not get bail

Bangladesh's cabinet on Monday approved a draft law prescribing the death penalty for drug offences, despite widespread criticism over a drugs crackdown in which police have shot dead more than 200 people since May.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the campaign ahead of a general election due by December, but the killings have prompted fears among rights groups of a bloody Philippine-style campaign to wipe out drugs.&nbsp;

The Narcotics Control Act defines methamphetamines, also known as "yaba", and other drugs, such as "shisha", as narcotics for the first time, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam told reporters after the meeting chaired by Hasina.

"It proposes the death sentence as maximum punishment for producing, smuggling, distributing and using more than 5 gm of 'yaba'," he said, adding that possession of less than 5 gm (0.18 oz) would attract a maximum jail term of five years.

Alam said the stern punishment was needed to curb the spread of the highly potent stimulant smuggled in from neighbouring Myanmar.

Bangladesh has said an influx last year of Rohingya fleeing Buddhist-majority Myanmar is partly to blame for soaring methamphetamine use.&nbsp;

But many Rohingya say their young people are being pushed into crime because they cannot legally work or, in many cases, receive aid.

Hasina has vowed to continue the campaign until Bangladesh is freed of the drug menace, but critics say it as a sign of her increasingly authoritarian rule ahead of the election.

In more than a third of the killings recorded by Dhaka-based human rights group Odhikar since mid-May, the suspects were arrested before they were killed.

The government has dismissed accusations of extrajudicial killings, saying the crackdown has popular support.

Bangladesh's cabinet on Monday approved a draft law prescribing the death penalty for drug offences, despite widespread criticism over a drugs crackdown in which police have shot dead more than 200 people since May.

Bangladesh's cabinet on Monday approved a draft law prescribing the death penalty for drug offences, despite widespread criticism over a drugs crackdown in which police have shot dead more than 200 people since May. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the campaign ahead of a general election due by December, but the killings have prompted fears among rights groups of a bloody Philippine-style campaign to wipe out drugs. The Narcotics Control Act defines methamphetamines, also known as "yaba", and other drugs, such as "shisha", as narcotics for the first time, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam told reporters after the meeting chaired by Hasina. "It proposes the death sentence as maximum punishment for producing, smuggling, distributing and using more than 5 gm of 'yaba'," he said, adding that possession of less than 5 gm (0.18 oz) would attract a maximum jail term of five years. Alam said the stern punishment was needed to curb the spread of the highly potent stimulant smuggled in from neighbouring Myanmar. Bangladesh has said an influx last year of Rohingya fleeing Buddhist-majority Myanmar is partly to blame for soaring methamphetamine use. But many Rohingya say their young people are being pushed into crime because they cannot legally work or, in many cases, receive aid. Hasina has vowed to continue the campaign until Bangladesh is freed of the drug menace, but critics say it as a sign of her increasingly authoritarian rule ahead of the election. In more than a third of the killings recorded by Dhaka-based human rights group Odhikar since mid-May, the suspects were arrested before they were killed. The government has dismissed accusations of extrajudicial killings, saying the crackdown has popular support.

Bangladesh sets death penalty for drug offences in draft law

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad.

Cricket West Indies said that Chris Gayle has decided to skip their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pollard-and-darren-bravo-back-for-west-indies-gayle-unavailable-170183">series in India and Bangladesh</a>.

"We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle, for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time..." Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, said in a statement late on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Gayle has declined the selection because currently he is busy with the Afghanistan Premier League and will subsequently feature in the T10 league, also in the United Arab Emirates.

"... however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the CWC (Cricket World Cup) in 2019," Browne added.

ODI squad: Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas

T20 squad: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad.

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad. Cricket West Indies said that Chris Gayle has decided to skip their series in India and Bangladesh. "We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle, for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time..." Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, said in a statement late on Sunday. The 39-year-old Gayle has declined the selection because currently he is busy with the Afghanistan Premier League and will subsequently feature in the T10 league, also in the United Arab Emirates. "... however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the CWC (Cricket World Cup) in 2019," Browne added. ODI squad: Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas T20 squad: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas

Here is why Chris Gayle declined selection for India series

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Monday gave his assent to a controversial new law that local media organisations fear could cripple press freedom and curb free speech in the country.

"The President has given his assent to the Digital Security Act today making it law," said Joynal Abedin, press secretary to the president.

The South Asian nation's parliament passed the Digital Security Act on Sept. 19, combining the colonial-era Official Secrets Act with tough new provisions such as allowing police to arrest individuals without a warrant.

Last month, protests by local media groups against the new legislation were cancelled after the government held talks with them and promised to amend the legislation to address some of their concerns.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Monday gave his assent to a controversial new law that local media organisations fear could cripple press freedom and curb free speech in the country.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Monday gave his assent to a controversial new law that local media organisations fear could cripple press freedom and curb free speech in the country. "The President has given his assent to the Digital Security Act today making it law," said Joynal Abedin, press secretary to the president. The South Asian nation's parliament passed the Digital Security Act on Sept. 19, combining the colonial-era Official Secrets Act with tough new provisions such as allowing police to arrest individuals without a warrant. Last month, protests by local media groups against the new legislation were cancelled after the government held talks with them and promised to amend the legislation to address some of their concerns.

Bangladesh president Hamid gives assent to digital law seen curbing free speech

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Zia, 73, was taken from the abandoned 19th-century prison where she is serving her sentence to a top medical university clinic in the heart of the capital, an AFP photographer at the scene said.

"She has been admitted to the BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) hospital," director of the clinic Brigadier General Abdullah al Harun told AFP.

Al Harun said a medical board comprising specialist doctors has been constituted. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Her transfer to the hospital came just days after the country's High Court ordered immediate hospital treatment for Zia after her lawyers said the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care.

Zia -- who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- was jailed in February for corruption.&nbsp;

Facing further charges of graft at a hearing early last month, she said she was "extremely ill" and that her arm and leg were becoming paralysed.

Her lawyer Zainal Abedin told AFP this week that Zia would be able to choose her own doctors from outside the state-run hospital.&nbsp;

Zia was sentenced to five years for corruption in February, triggering clashes between police and thousands of BNP supporters.

She was found guilty of embezzling money intended for an orphanage, a charge she dismissed as politically motivated.

Zia is appealing against the verdict -- which bars her from standing in a December general election -- and was granted bail earlier this year.

However she remains imprisoned while she fights dozens of other violence and graft charges.

A former ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned fierce political rival, Zia had health issues including arthritis, diabetes and knee replacements when she was sentenced.

She is the only inmate in Dhaka Central Jail, built in the 19th century under British colonial rule and declared abandoned in 2016.

Last month the authorities turned a room of the jail into a court -- a move her lawyers said was illegal.

Her party boycotted the 2014 election in which Hasina returned to power but is expected to contest the election due in December.

Zia was prime minister from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health.

Jailed Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was admitted to hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, an official said, following a court order in response to her deteriorating health. Former prime minister Zia, 73, was taken from the abandoned 19th-century prison where she is serving her sentence to a top medical university clinic in the heart of the capital, an AFP photographer at the scene said. "She has been admitted to the BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) hospital," director of the clinic Brigadier General Abdullah al Harun told AFP. Al Harun said a medical board comprising specialist doctors has been constituted. Her transfer to the hospital came just days after the country's High Court ordered immediate hospital treatment for Zia after her lawyers said the government was putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care. Zia -- who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party -- was jailed in February for corruption. Facing further charges of graft at a hearing early last month, she said she was "extremely ill" and that her arm and leg were becoming paralysed. Her lawyer Zainal Abedin told AFP this week that Zia would be able to choose her own doctors from outside the state-run hospital. Zia was sentenced to five years for corruption in February, triggering clashes between police and thousands of BNP supporters. She was found guilty of embezzling money intended for an orphanage, a charge she dismissed as politically motivated. Zia is appealing against the verdict -- which bars her from standing in a December general election -- and was granted bail earlier this year. However she remains imprisoned while she fights dozens of other violence and graft charges. A former ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned fierce political rival, Zia had health issues including arthritis, diabetes and knee replacements when she was sentenced. She is the only inmate in Dhaka Central Jail, built in the 19th century under British colonial rule and declared abandoned in 2016. Last month the authorities turned a room of the jail into a court -- a move her lawyers said was illegal. Her party boycotted the 2014 election in which Hasina returned to power but is expected to contest the election due in December. Zia was prime minister from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.

Jailed ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia admitted to hospital

Gowher Rizvi the Special Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that India has never raised the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants with his government.

Speaking at a conclave in Kolkata Rizvi&nbsp;said India has never raised the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants living on its soil with his government.

Calling the issue as an "internal Indian discussion", he said that the Bangladeshi's share a closest and the fondest of relationship with the current government.

He also asked the Indian government to prove that the 'illegal immigrants' of Northeast India are Bangladeshis.

Rizvi said he did not find it surprising that New Delhi never broached the illegal migrant issue with Dhaka, but contested Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju's statement that over 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants were now staying in India.

He also added that if there were Bangladeshis illegally staying in India, Bangladesh will obviously want to take its citizens back.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Gowher Rizvi the Special Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that India has never raised the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants with his government.

Gowher Rizvi the Special Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that India has never raised the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants with his government. Speaking at a conclave in Kolkata Rizvi said India has never raised the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants living on its soil with his government. Calling the issue as an "internal Indian discussion", he said that the Bangladeshi's share a closest and the fondest of relationship with the current government. He also asked the Indian government to prove that the 'illegal immigrants' of Northeast India are Bangladeshis. Rizvi said he did not find it surprising that New Delhi never broached the illegal migrant issue with Dhaka, but contested Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju's statement that over 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants were now staying in India. He also added that if there were Bangladeshis illegally staying in India, Bangladesh will obviously want to take its citizens back. (With inputs from agencies)

India has never raised illegal migrants issue with Dhaka: Special Adviser to Bangladesh PM

bangladesh-0

Bangladesh, News on Bangladesh, stories on Bangladesh, articles on Bangladesh, Bangladesh stories at Wion, Bangladesh news, Bangladesh latest news

bangladesh 0