Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has suggested that Muslims who are against building Ram temple in Ayodhya &quot;must go to Pakistan and Bangladesh&quot;.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Babri Masjid- Ram Janmabhoomi dispute from February 8.

Rizvi offered Friday prayers at the disputed site in Ayodhya and also met the chief priest of the Ram Janambhoomi, Acharya Satyendra Das.

On the occasion, he said, &quot;Those who are opposing the Ram temple in Ayodhya and want to build the Babri Mosque there... People having such fundamentalist mentality should go to Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such Muslims do not have any place in India.&quot;

&quot;Those who want to spread Jihad in the name of the mosque must go and join the forces of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the ISIS chief,&quot; Rizvi said.

He alleged that fundamentalist Muslim clerics are trying to destroy the country and they must migrate to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Reacting to Rizvi&#39;s remarks, Shia clerics demanded his arrest for trying to communalise the atmosphere.

President of Shia Ulema Council Maulana Iftekhar Hussain Inquilabi alleged, &quot;Rizvi is a criminal involved in grabbing and illegal selling of Waqf properties.&quot;

&quot;He has been charge-sheeted by the CB-CID and to save himself from the law he is enacting a big drama,&quot; he told PTI.

&quot;During the rule of the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, he was patronised by Mulayam Singh Yadav and then minister Azam Khan. Now, during the BJP government, he wants to be spared,&quot; Inquilabi claimed.&nbsp;

'Such Muslims do not have any place in India,' Waseem Rizvi said

Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has suggested that Muslims who are against building Ram temple in Ayodhya "must go to Pakistan and Bangladesh". The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Babri Masjid- Ram Janmabhoomi dispute from February 8. Rizvi offered Friday prayers at the disputed site in Ayodhya and also met the chief priest of the Ram Janambhoomi, Acharya Satyendra Das. On the occasion, he said, "Those who are opposing the Ram temple in Ayodhya and want to build the Babri Mosque there... People having such fundamentalist mentality should go to Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such Muslims do not have any place in India." "Those who want to spread Jihad in the name of the mosque must go and join the forces of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the ISIS chief," Rizvi said. He alleged that fundamentalist Muslim clerics are trying to destroy the country and they must migrate to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reacting to Rizvi's remarks, Shia clerics demanded his arrest for trying to communalise the atmosphere. President of Shia Ulema Council Maulana Iftekhar Hussain Inquilabi alleged, "Rizvi is a criminal involved in grabbing and illegal selling of Waqf properties." "He has been charge-sheeted by the CB-CID and to save himself from the law he is enacting a big drama," he told PTI. "During the rule of the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, he was patronised by Mulayam Singh Yadav and then minister Azam Khan. Now, during the BJP government, he wants to be spared," Inquilabi claimed.

Muslims opposing Ram temple must go to Pakistan: UP Shia Waqf board chief

Sri Lanka reached 504-3 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Friday.

Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva piled on the runs to put Sri Lanka in a comfortable position on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday.

Birthday boy Mendis just missed out on a double century, hitting an impressive 196, while de Silva added 173&nbsp;to trail Bangladesh`s first innings total by just nine runs.

Roshen Silva was unbeaten on 87 alongside skipper Dinesh Chandimal, 37 not out, when stumps were drawn at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam gave Bangladesh a rare occasion for joy on an arduous day when he removed Mendis just before the tea break.

Pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman earlier broke Mendis`s 308-run second wicket stand with de Silva, who added 69 runs to his overnight 104.

De Silva and Mendis dominated the Bangladesh bowlers for nearly two sessions after Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 187-1.

Bangladesh had to wait for the second new ball to get their first success as Mustafizur got a leading edge from de Silva for wicketkeeper Liton Das to complete a high catch.

De Silva faced 229 balls and hit 21 fours along with a six in his fourth Test century and the second in as many Tests.

Mendis, who faced 327 balls for his career best innings as he turned 23, added another 107 runs with Roshen Silva for the third wicket before he gave a catch to Mushfiqur Rahim at midwicket.

He survived a run-out when he had a mix-up with Roshen in the middle of the pitch after crossing his 150-run mark.

Mehedi Hasan made an awkward throw from extra cover after Mendis drove Taijul, allowing him to return to the pitch before wicketkeeper Liton could break the stumps.

Bangladesh were also unlucky in the morning as de Silva survived a strong lbw appeal on 119 off Taijul when the ball hit him on his toe before going to the slips.

With the hosts having already used both their reviews, they had no choice but to accept the decision of the on-field umpire.

Mendis hit left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam for a boundary to bring his fourth Test hundred off 200 balls.

De Silva reached his 1,000 runs in Tests on 154, joining Roy Dias as the quickest Sri Lankan to achieve the feat in his 23rd innings.

Kusal Mendis scored 196 runs while Dhananjaya de Silva made 173 runs

Sri Lanka reached 504-3 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Friday. Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva piled on the runs to put Sri Lanka in a comfortable position on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday. Birthday boy Mendis just missed out on a double century, hitting an impressive 196, while de Silva added 173 to trail Bangladesh`s first innings total by just nine runs. Roshen Silva was unbeaten on 87 alongside skipper Dinesh Chandimal, 37 not out, when stumps were drawn at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam gave Bangladesh a rare occasion for joy on an arduous day when he removed Mendis just before the tea break. Pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman earlier broke Mendis`s 308-run second wicket stand with de Silva, who added 69 runs to his overnight 104. De Silva and Mendis dominated the Bangladesh bowlers for nearly two sessions after Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 187-1. Bangladesh had to wait for the second new ball to get their first success as Mustafizur got a leading edge from de Silva for wicketkeeper Liton Das to complete a high catch. De Silva faced 229 balls and hit 21 fours along with a six in his fourth Test century and the second in as many Tests. Mendis, who faced 327 balls for his career best innings as he turned 23, added another 107 runs with Roshen Silva for the third wicket before he gave a catch to Mushfiqur Rahim at midwicket. He survived a run-out when he had a mix-up with Roshen in the middle of the pitch after crossing his 150-run mark. Mehedi Hasan made an awkward throw from extra cover after Mendis drove Taijul, allowing him to return to the pitch before wicketkeeper Liton could break the stumps. Bangladesh were also unlucky in the morning as de Silva survived a strong lbw appeal on 119 off Taijul when the ball hit him on his toe before going to the slips. With the hosts having already used both their reviews, they had no choice but to accept the decision of the on-field umpire. Mendis hit left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam for a boundary to bring his fourth Test hundred off 200 balls. De Silva reached his 1,000 runs in Tests on 154, joining Roy Dias as the quickest Sri Lankan to achieve the feat in his 23rd innings.

Sri Lanka 504-3 at stumps in first Bangladesh Test

A year ago Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed &quot;tree-man&quot; for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade.

But twelve months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar&#39;s hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition.

Surgeon Samanta Lal Sen, who last year hailed his cure as a milestone in medical history, now admits Bajandar&#39;s case may be more complicated than first thought.

His patient, who has been unable to work for years and whose young family lives in the hospital, says he fears he will never be cured.

&quot;I am scared to have any more surgeries. I don&#39;t think my hands and feet will be okay again,&quot; the 27-year-old told AFP at the Dhaka hospital where he first came for treatment in January 2016.

Bajandar suffers from epidermodysplasia verruciformis, an extremely rare genetic condition known as &quot;tree-man disease&quot;.

Intrigued by his condition, doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated him for free, surgically removing more than five kilos (11 pounds) of growths from his hands and feet.

He has been there ever since with his wife and family, who live together in a small room in the hospital.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_y79qn-20180202042356.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
This picture taken on January 25, 2018 shows &quot;Tree Man&quot; Abul Bajandar showing his palms where the warts are regrowing at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. (AFP)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;We thought we had achieved (a cure). But now it seems to be a time-consuming case,&quot; surgeon Sen told AFP.

&quot;We will keep on investigating to reach the ultimate success, though it&#39;s tough to say how long it will take.&quot;

This week Bajandar underwent his 25th surgery to remove some of the growths from his hands.

- Fewer than half a dozen cases -

For his wife Halima Khatun, life is on hold as she tends to her husband and looks after their four-year-old daughter.

&quot;We&#39;re grateful for the free treatment, we couldn&#39;t have afforded to pay for it,&quot; said Khatun, who passes her time in the ward making jewellery for a little cash.&nbsp;

Fewer than half a dozen people worldwide have epidermodysplasia verruciformis, according to Sen.&nbsp;

Last year the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated a young Bangladeshi girl suffering from the condition.&nbsp;

Doctors declared surgery to remove the growths a success, but her father later said they had grown back in even greater numbers.&nbsp;

He withdrew her from treatment, saying he did not want to watch her grow up in a hospital ward.&nbsp;

&quot;Nobody deserves to be in a hospital forever,&quot; said a nurse working in the plastic surgery unit.&nbsp;

&quot;Unfortunately, he (Bajandar) may have to stay here for a while.&quot;&nbsp;

Meanwhile Bajandar worries about money, and how he will pay for his daughter&#39;s education.&nbsp;

&quot;She&#39;s growing up so fast,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;I always wanted her to become a doctor. But if my condition worsens, how can I even send her to pre-school, let alone a medical college?&quot;

Twelve months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar's hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition.

A year ago Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed "tree-man" for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade. But twelve months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar's hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition. Surgeon Samanta Lal Sen, who last year hailed his cure as a milestone in medical history, now admits Bajandar's case may be more complicated than first thought. His patient, who has been unable to work for years and whose young family lives in the hospital, says he fears he will never be cured. "I am scared to have any more surgeries. I don't think my hands and feet will be okay again," the 27-year-old told AFP at the Dhaka hospital where he first came for treatment in January 2016. Bajandar suffers from epidermodysplasia verruciformis, an extremely rare genetic condition known as "tree-man disease". Intrigued by his condition, doctors at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated him for free, surgically removing more than five kilos (11 pounds) of growths from his hands and feet. He has been there ever since with his wife and family, who live together in a small room in the hospital. This picture taken on January 25, 2018 shows "Tree Man" Abul Bajandar showing his palms where the warts are regrowing at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. (AFP) × "We thought we had achieved (a cure). But now it seems to be a time-consuming case," surgeon Sen told AFP. "We will keep on investigating to reach the ultimate success, though it's tough to say how long it will take." This week Bajandar underwent his 25th surgery to remove some of the growths from his hands. - Fewer than half a dozen cases - For his wife Halima Khatun, life is on hold as she tends to her husband and looks after their four-year-old daughter. "We're grateful for the free treatment, we couldn't have afforded to pay for it," said Khatun, who passes her time in the ward making jewellery for a little cash. Fewer than half a dozen people worldwide have epidermodysplasia verruciformis, according to Sen. Last year the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated a young Bangladeshi girl suffering from the condition. Doctors declared surgery to remove the growths a success, but her father later said they had grown back in even greater numbers. He withdrew her from treatment, saying he did not want to watch her grow up in a hospital ward. "Nobody deserves to be in a hospital forever," said a nurse working in the plastic surgery unit. "Unfortunately, he (Bajandar) may have to stay here for a while." Meanwhile Bajandar worries about money, and how he will pay for his daughter's education. "She's growing up so fast," he said. "I always wanted her to become a doctor. But if my condition worsens, how can I even send her to pre-school, let alone a medical college?"

After 24 surgeries, Bangladesh 'tree man' relapses

Two Reuters journalists accused of violating Myanmar&#39;s colonial-era Official Secrets Act were brought to a district court on Thursday where, according to a defence lawyer, the judge is due to rule on a bail request.

The prosecution is also scheduled to present at least one more witness at the hearing in the Insein District Court of Yangon, Myanmar&#39;s main city.

The two journalists - Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27 - had worked on Reuters coverage of a crisis in Rakhine state, where an army crackdown on insurgents since the end of August has triggered the flight of 688,000 Rohingya Muslims, according to the United Nations.

The reporters were detained on December 12 after they had been invited to meet police officers over dinner in Yangon. They have told relatives they were arrested almost immediately after being handed some documents at a restaurant by two officers they had not met before.

The two reporters were smiling as they were brought handcuffed to the court and Wa Lone gave the &quot;thumbs up&quot; sign.

Diplomats from the US, British, Canadian, Norwegian, Swedish, French and Danish embassies were present as well as United Nations and EU officials.

At the last court proceedings on January 23, the first witness presented by the prosecution, Police Lieutenant Colonel Yu Naing, said he was told the reporters were arrested while they were walking along a road carrying four official documents that included a listing of forces and weapons of a police battalion in the Maungdaw district of Rakhine state.

Yu Naing repeatedly told the court &quot;I don&#39;t know&quot;, when asked about the circumstances of the arrest because it was only reported to him by subordinates. He could not point to evidence that the defendants were acting for the enemy or hostile forces, defence lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after the hearing.

The prosecution has 24 other witnesses in the case, more than half of whom are police officers, Khin Maung Zaw has said. Another police witness was likely to be called on Thursday, he said.

A ruling on an application for bail will also be announced at the hearing, Khin Maung Zaw said.

The prosecution has previously objected to the bail application.

Reuters repeated its calls for the pair&#39;s prompt release in a statement after the last hearing.

&quot;They are innocent of any wrongdoing and should be allowed to return to their jobs reporting on events in Myanmar,&quot; the news agency said.

&quot;Many Inconsistencies&quot;

The Danish embassy in Myanmar said its officers attended the previous hearing, where &quot;many inconsistencies in the material put before the court to substantiate the charges were revealed&quot;.

&quot;We once again urge the immediate release of the two journalists,&quot; the embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

In a Twitter message, the Committee to Protect Journalists also reiterated its demand that the two reporters be set free.

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are being tried under the Official Secrets Act, which dates back to 1923 - when Myanmar, then known as Burma, was under British rule - and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

They have been accused under Section 3.1 (c) of the act, which covers entering prohibited places, and taking images or obtaining secret official documents that &quot;might be or is intended to be, directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy&quot;.

Government officials from some of the world&#39;s major nations, including the United States, Britain and Canada, as well as top UN officials, have called for the reporters to be freed.

Veteran US politician Bill Richardson said last week that Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi&#39;s response was &quot;furious&quot; when he brought up the case in a meeting with her.

Richardson quit an international panel advising the Myanmar government on the Rohingya crisis, saying it was conducting a &quot;whitewash&quot; and accusing Suu Kyi of lacking &quot;moral leadership&quot;.

Suu Kyi&#39;s office said her government had asked Richardson to step down and accused him of pursuing &quot;his own agenda&quot;.

A statement from the nine remaining members of the advisory board said they met last week &quot;with open minds&quot; and rejected Richardson&#39;s criticism that he feared the panel would be used as &quot;a cheerleading squad&quot;.

The two journalists - Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27 - had worked on Reuters coverage of a crisis in Rakhine state, where an army crackdown on insurgents since the end of August has triggered the flight of 688,000 Rohingya Muslims, according to the United Nations

Two Reuters journalists accused of violating Myanmar's colonial-era Official Secrets Act were brought to a district court on Thursday where, according to a defence lawyer, the judge is due to rule on a bail request. The prosecution is also scheduled to present at least one more witness at the hearing in the Insein District Court of Yangon, Myanmar's main city. The two journalists - Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27 - had worked on Reuters coverage of a crisis in Rakhine state, where an army crackdown on insurgents since the end of August has triggered the flight of 688,000 Rohingya Muslims, according to the United Nations. The reporters were detained on December 12 after they had been invited to meet police officers over dinner in Yangon. They have told relatives they were arrested almost immediately after being handed some documents at a restaurant by two officers they had not met before. The two reporters were smiling as they were brought handcuffed to the court and Wa Lone gave the "thumbs up" sign. Diplomats from the US, British, Canadian, Norwegian, Swedish, French and Danish embassies were present as well as United Nations and EU officials. At the last court proceedings on January 23, the first witness presented by the prosecution, Police Lieutenant Colonel Yu Naing, said he was told the reporters were arrested while they were walking along a road carrying four official documents that included a listing of forces and weapons of a police battalion in the Maungdaw district of Rakhine state. Yu Naing repeatedly told the court "I don't know", when asked about the circumstances of the arrest because it was only reported to him by subordinates. He could not point to evidence that the defendants were acting for the enemy or hostile forces, defence lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after the hearing. The prosecution has 24 other witnesses in the case, more than half of whom are police officers, Khin Maung Zaw has said. Another police witness was likely to be called on Thursday, he said. A ruling on an application for bail will also be announced at the hearing, Khin Maung Zaw said. The prosecution has previously objected to the bail application. Reuters repeated its calls for the pair's prompt release in a statement after the last hearing. "They are innocent of any wrongdoing and should be allowed to return to their jobs reporting on events in Myanmar," the news agency said. "Many Inconsistencies" The Danish embassy in Myanmar said its officers attended the previous hearing, where "many inconsistencies in the material put before the court to substantiate the charges were revealed". "We once again urge the immediate release of the two journalists," the embassy said in a statement on Thursday. In a Twitter message, the Committee to Protect Journalists also reiterated its demand that the two reporters be set free. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are being tried under the Official Secrets Act, which dates back to 1923 - when Myanmar, then known as Burma, was under British rule - and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. They have been accused under Section 3.1 (c) of the act, which covers entering prohibited places, and taking images or obtaining secret official documents that "might be or is intended to be, directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy". Government officials from some of the world's major nations, including the United States, Britain and Canada, as well as top UN officials, have called for the reporters to be freed. Veteran US politician Bill Richardson said last week that Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's response was "furious" when he brought up the case in a meeting with her. Richardson quit an international panel advising the Myanmar government on the Rohingya crisis, saying it was conducting a "whitewash" and accusing Suu Kyi of lacking "moral leadership". Suu Kyi's office said her government had asked Richardson to step down and accused him of pursuing "his own agenda". A statement from the nine remaining members of the advisory board said they met last week "with open minds" and rejected Richardson's criticism that he feared the panel would be used as "a cheerleading squad".

Reuters reporters arrested in Myanmar brought to court; bail decision likely

Mominul Haque hit a towering century to help Bangladesh take opening day honours in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Wednesday.

Mominul hit an unbeaten 175 as the hosts reached 374-4 at stumps after electing to bat first at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

The left-hander shared a 236-run third-wicket stand with former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who fell just short of his fifth Test hundred after scoring 92 off 192 balls.

Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, on nine, was batting alongside Mominul when stumps were drawn at the start of the two-match series.

Opener Tamim Iqbal gave the hosts a strong start with his brisk 52 and said it was &quot;a fantastic day&quot; for Bangladesh.&nbsp;

&quot;We were very positive and attacking from ball one. It was nice to see.&quot;

Suranga Lakmal struck with the second new ball to claim two wickets off successive deliveries and give Sri Lanka some respite late into the final session.

Lakmal, who returned figures of 2-43, forced Mushfiqur to edge behind the stumps after he had struck 10 fours in his relatively sedate innings.

The medium-pacer bowled Liton Das for a duck with the next ball, which swung late to uproot the off-stump after the batsman had attempted to leave the delivery.

But Mominul was dominant at the other end, hitting 16 fours and a six off veteran spinner Rangana Herath during his stay, which has lasted 203 balls so far.

The 26-year-old posted his fifth Test century and his first in more than three years off just 96 balls, with back-to-back fours off left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan.

He then hit Herath for his only six to reach 160 and bring up his 2,000 Test runs in his 47th innings.

Mominul was the fastest Bangladeshi to achieve the feat, overtaking Tamim`s record of 53 innings.

Sri Lankan batting coach Thilan Samaraweera was full of praise for Mominul, who is nicknamed Mini.

&quot;We should have bowled better than that. It is 40 runs too many for our part...&quot; he said.

Mominul`s masterful display at his favourite ground came after Bangladesh had lost both openers, Tamim and Imrul Kayes, in the morning session.

Tamim made 52 off 53 balls, sharing a 72-run opening stand with Kayes (40), until off-spinner Dilruwan Perera bowled him with a beautiful delivery that pitched outside off-stump and spun sharply.

Tamim struck six fours, and a sweetly timed six off Perera over long-on, in his 25th Test fifty.

Sandakan trapped Kayes leg-before on the stroke of lunch, ending the left-hander`s 75-ball stay.

Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, on nine, was batting alongside Mominul when stumps were drawn at the start of the two-match series.

Mominul Haque hit a towering century to help Bangladesh take opening day honours in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Wednesday. Mominul hit an unbeaten 175 as the hosts reached 374-4 at stumps after electing to bat first at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The left-hander shared a 236-run third-wicket stand with former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who fell just short of his fifth Test hundred after scoring 92 off 192 balls. Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, on nine, was batting alongside Mominul when stumps were drawn at the start of the two-match series. Opener Tamim Iqbal gave the hosts a strong start with his brisk 52 and said it was "a fantastic day" for Bangladesh. "We were very positive and attacking from ball one. It was nice to see." Suranga Lakmal struck with the second new ball to claim two wickets off successive deliveries and give Sri Lanka some respite late into the final session. Lakmal, who returned figures of 2-43, forced Mushfiqur to edge behind the stumps after he had struck 10 fours in his relatively sedate innings. The medium-pacer bowled Liton Das for a duck with the next ball, which swung late to uproot the off-stump after the batsman had attempted to leave the delivery. But Mominul was dominant at the other end, hitting 16 fours and a six off veteran spinner Rangana Herath during his stay, which has lasted 203 balls so far. The 26-year-old posted his fifth Test century and his first in more than three years off just 96 balls, with back-to-back fours off left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan. He then hit Herath for his only six to reach 160 and bring up his 2,000 Test runs in his 47th innings. Mominul was the fastest Bangladeshi to achieve the feat, overtaking Tamim`s record of 53 innings. Sri Lankan batting coach Thilan Samaraweera was full of praise for Mominul, who is nicknamed Mini. "We should have bowled better than that. It is 40 runs too many for our part..." he said. Mominul`s masterful display at his favourite ground came after Bangladesh had lost both openers, Tamim and Imrul Kayes, in the morning session. Tamim made 52 off 53 balls, sharing a 72-run opening stand with Kayes (40), until off-spinner Dilruwan Perera bowled him with a beautiful delivery that pitched outside off-stump and spun sharply. Tamim struck six fours, and a sweetly timed six off Perera over long-on, in his 25th Test fifty. Sandakan trapped Kayes leg-before on the stroke of lunch, ending the left-hander`s 75-ball stay.

1st Test: Ton-up Mominul Haque powers Bangladesh against Lanka

On the second day of his three-day visit, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pope-to-lead-huge-mass-for-bangladesh-catholics-25549">Pope Francis finally met Rohingya </a>refugees&nbsp;in Dhaka as he appealed for "a spirit of openness, acceptance and cooperation"&nbsp;

During the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pope-arrives-in-bangladesh-appeals-for-decisive-action-for-refugees-from-rakhine-state-25546">Pope Francis held an open-air mass</a>&nbsp;in a park in central Dhaka with around 100,000 Bangladeshi Catholics in attendance.

Francis is the first Pope to visit Bangladesh in 31 years, quite expectedly the crowd thronged to watch the Holy See with chants of "viva il papa" ("long live the Pope").

The Pope had arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday after spending three days in Myanmar to find ways and means to help solve the Rohingya crisis which has spiralled out of control in recent months.

Soon after arriving in Bangladesh the Pope met Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.

In his speech, he praised Bangladesh's "spirit of generosity and solidarity" in helping "a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine state".&nbsp;

The Pope who has avoided using the term "Rohingya" during his visit to Myanmar, sidestepped using the term again in Bangladesh calling them "refugees".

He appealed to the international community to take decisive action to address the "grave crisis".&nbsp;

 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kzYoXojCLNM" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During the day, Pope Francis held an open-air mass?in a park in central Dhaka

On the second day of his three-day visit, Pope Francis finally met Rohingya refugees in Dhaka as he appealed for "a spirit of openness, acceptance and cooperation" During the day, Pope Francis held an open-air mass in a park in central Dhaka with around 100,000 Bangladeshi Catholics in attendance. Francis is the first Pope to visit Bangladesh in 31 years, quite expectedly the crowd thronged to watch the Holy See with chants of "viva il papa" ("long live the Pope"). The Pope had arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday after spending three days in Myanmar to find ways and means to help solve the Rohingya crisis which has spiralled out of control in recent months. Soon after arriving in Bangladesh the Pope met Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. In his speech, he praised Bangladesh's "spirit of generosity and solidarity" in helping "a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine state". The Pope who has avoided using the term "Rohingya" during his visit to Myanmar, sidestepped using the term again in Bangladesh calling them "refugees". He appealed to the international community to take decisive action to address the "grave crisis".

Watch: Pope Francis meets Rohingya refugees in Dhaka

Bangladesh started work Sunday on an &quot;anger management park&quot; in the capital Dhaka which the mayor said would help the 15 million inhabitants cope with rising daily stress.

Traffic jams which keep commuters imprisoned in their cars for up to five hours a day, noise and dust pollution, rainy season chaos and petty crime are daily complaints.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sayeed Khokon, mayor of the southern half of the giant city, hopes the $7 million 38-acre (15 hectare) park near the main government offices will ease the stress.

The Goswa Nibaroni (anger management) Park is expected to take 12-14 months to complete and will feature a lake, snack corners, relaxing music and giant-screen televisions.

The concept comes from an ancient Bangladeshi tradition in which villages had an &quot;anger hut&quot; on the nearest riverbank for angry people to calm down, the mayor said.

&quot;Such ideas have long gone. Urban life can be very stressful. City dwellers easily become victims of anxiety,&quot; Khokon said.

&quot;If you quarrel with your wife, you can go this park and relax.&quot;

Dhaka, one of the world&#39;s fastest growing metropolises, has been losing green space to the mass construction of new residential districts.

Once a Mughal-era garrison town famed for its tree-lined roads, Dhaka has become one of the world&#39;s most polluted cities with levels inching closer to New Delhi.

The anger management park has divided social media opinion between supporters and those who believe it is a waste of money.

Critics say the new park could suffer the same fate as other green spaces in Dhaka which have become havens for petty criminals, sex workers and drug addicts.

&quot;Good initiative until it becomes a paradise for drug peddling and prostitution,&quot; Iftekhar Alam wrote on Facebook.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

'If you quarrel with your wife, you can go this park and relax'

Bangladesh started work Sunday on an "anger management park" in the capital Dhaka which the mayor said would help the 15 million inhabitants cope with rising daily stress. Traffic jams which keep commuters imprisoned in their cars for up to five hours a day, noise and dust pollution, rainy season chaos and petty crime are daily complaints. Sayeed Khokon, mayor of the southern half of the giant city, hopes the $7 million 38-acre (15 hectare) park near the main government offices will ease the stress. The Goswa Nibaroni (anger management) Park is expected to take 12-14 months to complete and will feature a lake, snack corners, relaxing music and giant-screen televisions. The concept comes from an ancient Bangladeshi tradition in which villages had an "anger hut" on the nearest riverbank for angry people to calm down, the mayor said. "Such ideas have long gone. Urban life can be very stressful. City dwellers easily become victims of anxiety," Khokon said. "If you quarrel with your wife, you can go this park and relax." Dhaka, one of the world's fastest growing metropolises, has been losing green space to the mass construction of new residential districts. Once a Mughal-era garrison town famed for its tree-lined roads, Dhaka has become one of the world's most polluted cities with levels inching closer to New Delhi. The anger management park has divided social media opinion between supporters and those who believe it is a waste of money. Critics say the new park could suffer the same fate as other green spaces in Dhaka which have become havens for petty criminals, sex workers and drug addicts. "Good initiative until it becomes a paradise for drug peddling and prostitution," Iftekhar Alam wrote on Facebook.

Bangladesh comes up with 'Anger Management Park' to cope with pollution & stress

In a bilateral meeting held between Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Bangladesh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, President Widodo stressed upon devising a peaceful and quick solution to the Rohingya crises.&nbsp;

In his two day visit to Bangladesh to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two nations, President Widodo also drew attention on the crises.&nbsp;

Appreciating the efforts of the Bangladesh government for providing shelter to over one million Rohingya people in the country, the&nbsp;president has&nbsp;assured to extend his country&#39;s support&nbsp;for the&nbsp;global concern.

Indonesian capital Jakarta had earlier supported the Rohingyas at the United Nations and its Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

To examine the plight and suffering of the Rohingya people, the&nbsp;president also expressed&nbsp;to visit the refugee camps of thousands of Rohingya Muslims. His visit is expected to put pressure on the on the Myanmar government.

The meeting was held at the office of Prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

&nbsp;

In his two day visit to Bangladesh to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two nations, President Widodo drew attention on the global crises

In a bilateral meeting held between Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Bangladesh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, President Widodo stressed upon devising a peaceful and quick solution to the Rohingya crises. In his two day visit to Bangladesh to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two nations, President Widodo also drew attention on the crises. Appreciating the efforts of the Bangladesh government for providing shelter to over one million Rohingya people in the country, the president has assured to extend his country's support for the global concern. Indonesian capital Jakarta had earlier supported the Rohingyas at the United Nations and its Human Rights Council. To examine the plight and suffering of the Rohingya people, the president also expressed to visit the refugee camps of thousands of Rohingya Muslims. His visit is expected to put pressure on the on the Myanmar government. The meeting was held at the office of Prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Indonesia President called for quick, peaceful solution to Rohingya crises

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza was fined 20 per cent of his match fees on Sunday for aggressive behaviour during his team&#39;s loss in the tri-nation one-day international tournament final against Sri Lanka.

Match referee David Boon fined Mashrafe after his on-field run-in with Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis during Saturday&#39;s title clash in Dhaka.

The incident happened in the sixth over of the Sri Lankan innings when Mortaza ran close to Mendis after the batsman&#39;s dismissal, the International Cricket Council said.

He yelled loudly and looked directly at the opener &quot;in a manner that could have provoked an aggressive reaction,&quot; the ICC said.

The match referee also warned Sri Lankan cricketer Dhanuska Gunathilaka for a similar reaction in the sixth over of the Bangladesh innings following the dismissal of batsman Tamim Iqbal.

While it was Gunathilaka&#39;s first offence,&nbsp;Mortaza has been sanctioned for the second time since the introduction of a revised code in September 2016,&nbsp;the ICC added.

&quot;Both the players admitted the offences,&quot; said the ICC.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will now play a two-Test series with the first match beginning in the port city of Chittagong on Wednesday.

The second Test is in Dhaka starting on February 8.

Sri Lanka will also play two Twenty20 internationals against the hosts.

&nbsp;

Match referee David Boon fined Mashrafe after his on-field run-in with Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza was fined 20 per cent of his match fees on Sunday for aggressive behaviour during his team's loss in the tri-nation one-day international tournament final against Sri Lanka. Match referee David Boon fined Mashrafe after his on-field run-in with Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis during Saturday's title clash in Dhaka. The incident happened in the sixth over of the Sri Lankan innings when Mortaza ran close to Mendis after the batsman's dismissal, the International Cricket Council said. He yelled loudly and looked directly at the opener "in a manner that could have provoked an aggressive reaction," the ICC said. The match referee also warned Sri Lankan cricketer Dhanuska Gunathilaka for a similar reaction in the sixth over of the Bangladesh innings following the dismissal of batsman Tamim Iqbal. While it was Gunathilaka's first offence, Mortaza has been sanctioned for the second time since the introduction of a revised code in September 2016, the ICC added. "Both the players admitted the offences," said the ICC. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will now play a two-Test series with the first match beginning in the port city of Chittagong on Wednesday. The second Test is in Dhaka starting on February 8. Sri Lanka will also play two Twenty20 internationals against the hosts.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza fined for yelling at opponent

Tamim Iqbal smashed 84 as Bangladesh hit 320 and then inflicted further misery on Sri Lanka to claim their biggest win in one-day cricket on Friday.

Sri Lanka, under new coach Chandika Hathurusingha, were skittled out for 157 and the performance will set new alarm bells ringing after they lost to Zimbabwe in their previous match in the three-nation contest. 
But Bangladesh celebrated their victory.

&quot;If you look at (the) recent past, it is one of our best wins,&quot; said captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

&quot;I think Tamim could have got a hundred. Shakib also could have gone on.&quot;

The 28-year-old left hander Tamim plundered two sixes and seven fours as Bangladesh came within four runs of their record one-day score against Sri Lanka.

He was given strong support by Shakib Al Hasan who made 67, and took three for 47 to claim man of the match honours, and Mushfiqur Rahim on 62.

Tamim put on a scintillating 99 for the second wicket with Shakib before wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella successfully reviewed a not-out decision to end his 102-ball innings.

Sri Lanka, rebuilding under Hathurusingha after their worst year in international cricket, never posed a serious threat as they lost by 163 runs.

With captain Angelo Mathews missing due to injury, Thisara Perera hit the top score of 29 while wickets regularly tumbled at the other end. Hathurusingha saw his side collapse in 32.2 overs.

Perera, who took three for 60, was also his side&#39;s most effective bowler.

But nothing could stop Tamim, Shakib and Rahim setting up their side&#39;s triumph. Only some excellent bowling by Perera at the end of the Bangladesh innings prevented an even bigger defeat.

Bangladesh&#39;s win beat the 160-run victory made over West Indies in 2012. They defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the first match of this tournament.

Sri Lanka play Zimbabwe in the next match on Sunday.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka, under new coach Chandika Hathurusingha, were skittled out for 157

Tamim Iqbal smashed 84 as Bangladesh hit 320 and then inflicted further misery on Sri Lanka to claim their biggest win in one-day cricket on Friday. Sri Lanka, under new coach Chandika Hathurusingha, were skittled out for 157 and the performance will set new alarm bells ringing after they lost to Zimbabwe in their previous match in the three-nation contest. But Bangladesh celebrated their victory. "If you look at (the) recent past, it is one of our best wins," said captain Mashrafe Mortaza. "I think Tamim could have got a hundred. Shakib also could have gone on." The 28-year-old left hander Tamim plundered two sixes and seven fours as Bangladesh came within four runs of their record one-day score against Sri Lanka. He was given strong support by Shakib Al Hasan who made 67, and took three for 47 to claim man of the match honours, and Mushfiqur Rahim on 62. Tamim put on a scintillating 99 for the second wicket with Shakib before wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella successfully reviewed a not-out decision to end his 102-ball innings. Sri Lanka, rebuilding under Hathurusingha after their worst year in international cricket, never posed a serious threat as they lost by 163 runs. With captain Angelo Mathews missing due to injury, Thisara Perera hit the top score of 29 while wickets regularly tumbled at the other end. Hathurusingha saw his side collapse in 32.2 overs. Perera, who took three for 60, was also his side's most effective bowler. But nothing could stop Tamim, Shakib and Rahim setting up their side's triumph. Only some excellent bowling by Perera at the end of the Bangladesh innings prevented an even bigger defeat. Bangladesh's win beat the 160-run victory made over West Indies in 2012. They defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the first match of this tournament. Sri Lanka play Zimbabwe in the next match on Sunday.

Bangladesh thrash Sri Lanka for biggest one day win

Bangladesh has counted more than a million Rohingya refugees living in camps near the border with Myanmar, higher than previous estimates, the head of its registration project said today as preparations for their return got under way.

The Bangladesh army began biometric registering of the refugees last year after the latest mass influx of Rohingya from Myanmar, where the Muslim minority have faced decades of persecution.

The registration is aimed partly at aiding repatriation of the refugees -- a controversial issue as most say they do not want to return.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/seven-rakhine-killed-as-myanmar-police-fire-on-rioters-29846" target="_blank">Seven ethnic Rakhine killed as Myanmar Police fire on rioters</a>

Bangladesh says it wants to start sending them home next week and has reached an initial agreement with Myanmar to complete the process within two years.

&quot;So far we&#39;ve registered 1,004,742 Rohingya. They are given biometric registration cards,&quot; said Saidur Rahman, a brigadier general with the Bangladesh army who heads the Rohingya registration project.

Several thousand more have yet to be registered, he said.

The figures are higher than those provided by the UN, which estimates there are 962,000 Rohingya living in southeast Bangladesh, near the Myanmar border.

That includes the 655,000 the UN estimates have entered the country since August 25, when the Myanmar military launched a violent crackdown in Rakhine state following attacks by Rohingya militants.

Doctors Without Borders has said at least 6,700 Rohingya Muslims were killed in the first month of the crackdown.

Refugees in Bangladesh have alleged mass rape and widespread arson at the hands of soldiers and the Buddhist majority in Rakhine.

Some of the refugees have been living in Bangladesh for many years, but the repatriation agreement only covers those who have arrived since October 2016. 
The two sides said on Tuesday they have agreed to complete the repatriation within a two-year period, the first concrete timeline given for the refugees&#39; return.

Rights groups have expressed concerns about the pace of the process, particularly as Rohingya are still fleeing Rakhine.

&quot;With memories of rape, killing and torture still fresh in the minds of Rohingya refugees, plans for their return to Myanmar are alarmingly premature,&quot; James Gomez, Amnesty International&#39;s regional director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said yesterday.

&quot;The obfuscation and denials of the Myanmar authorities give no reason to hope that the rights of returning Rohingya would be protected, or that the reasons for their original flight no longer exist.&quot;

The Bangladesh army began biometric registering of the refugees last year

Bangladesh has counted more than a million Rohingya refugees living in camps near the border with Myanmar, higher than previous estimates, the head of its registration project said today as preparations for their return got under way. The Bangladesh army began biometric registering of the refugees last year after the latest mass influx of Rohingya from Myanmar, where the Muslim minority have faced decades of persecution. The registration is aimed partly at aiding repatriation of the refugees -- a controversial issue as most say they do not want to return. Also read: Seven ethnic Rakhine killed as Myanmar Police fire on rioters Bangladesh says it wants to start sending them home next week and has reached an initial agreement with Myanmar to complete the process within two years. "So far we've registered 1,004,742 Rohingya. They are given biometric registration cards," said Saidur Rahman, a brigadier general with the Bangladesh army who heads the Rohingya registration project. Several thousand more have yet to be registered, he said. The figures are higher than those provided by the UN, which estimates there are 962,000 Rohingya living in southeast Bangladesh, near the Myanmar border. That includes the 655,000 the UN estimates have entered the country since August 25, when the Myanmar military launched a violent crackdown in Rakhine state following attacks by Rohingya militants. Doctors Without Borders has said at least 6,700 Rohingya Muslims were killed in the first month of the crackdown. Refugees in Bangladesh have alleged mass rape and widespread arson at the hands of soldiers and the Buddhist majority in Rakhine. Some of the refugees have been living in Bangladesh for many years, but the repatriation agreement only covers those who have arrived since October 2016. The two sides said on Tuesday they have agreed to complete the repatriation within a two-year period, the first concrete timeline given for the refugees' return. Rights groups have expressed concerns about the pace of the process, particularly as Rohingya are still fleeing Rakhine. "With memories of rape, killing and torture still fresh in the minds of Rohingya refugees, plans for their return to Myanmar are alarmingly premature," James Gomez, Amnesty International's regional director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said yesterday. "The obfuscation and denials of the Myanmar authorities give no reason to hope that the rights of returning Rohingya would be protected, or that the reasons for their original flight no longer exist."

Bangladesh says it is hosting over 1 million Rohingya

Myanmar and Bangladesh have reached a deal to repatriate Rohingya displaced by an army crackdown &quot;within two years&quot;, Dhaka said Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Bangladeshi government following talks in Myanmar&#39;s capital Naypyidaw, the agreement between the two countries states that the process will be &quot;completed preferably within 02 (two) years from the commencement of repatriation&quot;.

This is the first clear timeline for a return of hundreds of thousands of refugees.

&quot;During this two-day meeting, we agreed on the form that refugees will have to fill to be able to come back to Myanmar,&quot; Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Bangladesh ambassador in Myanmar told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-insurgents-say-they-have-no-option-but-to-fight-myanmar-28754">Rohingya insurgents say they have no option but to fight Myanmar</a>

&quot;We should be able to start the process in the coming days,&quot; he said, but added Myanmar&#39;s stated deadline of next week for starting Rohingya repatriation was &quot;not possible&quot;.

The deal applies to Rohingya who fled Myanmar in two major outbreaks of violence since October 2016, when militants from the stateless Muslim minority first attacked border-guard posts in northern Rakhine state.

It does not cover Rohingya refugees who were living in Bangladesh prior to that date who the UN estimates number at 200,000.

In November, the two countries reached a pact paving the way for repatriations from January 23. The deadline is likely to slip given the logistical challenges of the cross-border operation.

Myanmar has faced intense diplomatic pressure to allow the safe return of Rohingya refugees driven out by its army.

But many Rohingya in crowded camps in Bangladesh say they are reluctant to return to Rakhine state having fled atrocities including murder, rape and arson attacks on their homes.

The agreement between the two countries states that the process will be 'completed preferably within 02 (two) years from the commencement of repatriation'

Myanmar and Bangladesh have reached a deal to repatriate Rohingya displaced by an army crackdown "within two years", Dhaka said Tuesday. According to a statement from the Bangladeshi government following talks in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, the agreement between the two countries states that the process will be "completed preferably within 02 (two) years from the commencement of repatriation". This is the first clear timeline for a return of hundreds of thousands of refugees. "During this two-day meeting, we agreed on the form that refugees will have to fill to be able to come back to Myanmar," Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Bangladesh ambassador in Myanmar told AFP. Also Read: Rohingya insurgents say they have no option but to fight Myanmar "We should be able to start the process in the coming days," he said, but added Myanmar's stated deadline of next week for starting Rohingya repatriation was "not possible". The deal applies to Rohingya who fled Myanmar in two major outbreaks of violence since October 2016, when militants from the stateless Muslim minority first attacked border-guard posts in northern Rakhine state. It does not cover Rohingya refugees who were living in Bangladesh prior to that date who the UN estimates number at 200,000. In November, the two countries reached a pact paving the way for repatriations from January 23. The deadline is likely to slip given the logistical challenges of the cross-border operation. Myanmar has faced intense diplomatic pressure to allow the safe return of Rohingya refugees driven out by its army. But many Rohingya in crowded camps in Bangladesh say they are reluctant to return to Rakhine state having fled atrocities including murder, rape and arson attacks on their homes.

Myanmar, Bangladesh reach two-year deal to repatriate Rohingya refugees

Bangladesh has agreed to complete the process of returning Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar within two years after repatriation begins, the South Asian nation said on Tuesday.

The decision was made following a meeting of the neighbours to implement a pact signed last year.

A statement by the Bangladesh foreign ministry did not say when the process would begin.

But it added the return effort envisages &quot;considering the family as a unit,&quot; with Myanmar to provide temporary shelter for those returning before rebuilding houses for them.

The decision was made following a meeting of the neighbours to implement a pact signed last year.

Bangladesh has agreed to complete the process of returning Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar within two years after repatriation begins, the South Asian nation said on Tuesday. The decision was made following a meeting of the neighbours to implement a pact signed last year. A statement by the Bangladesh foreign ministry did not say when the process would begin. But it added the return effort envisages "considering the family as a unit," with Myanmar to provide temporary shelter for those returning before rebuilding houses for them.

Bangladesh agrees with Myanmar to complete Rohingya return in two years

The first match of tri-nation ODI Series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is underway.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl.

Batting first, Zimbabwe couldn&#39;t score much and had to settle for 170 runs after being destroyed by the&nbsp;stunning spell of Bangladeshi bowlers.

Bangladesh created pressure by taking wickets at regular intervals&nbsp;and restricted the Zimbabwe team at a lower total.

Zimbabwe had a crashing start as they lost 2 wickets in the first over.

Shakib-al-Hasan was magnificent in his spell and took two early wickets of Solomon Mire and Craig Ervine.&nbsp;

Hamilton Masakadza fell prey to skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and lost his wicket after scoring 15 odd runs.

Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza tried scoring and created a partnership of 21 runs before Taylor lost his wicket to Mustafizur at 24.&nbsp;

Later, Raza defended his wicket and tried to push the run rate. He found a determined ally in Peter Moor and they both had put up a 50-run partnership.

Sikandar Raza was playing defensive but was run out by Shakib and Rahim. The rest of the team wrapped up quickly.

Bangladesh bowlers confounded Zimbabwe&#39;s batting order.

Sunzamul Islam got one wicket, Mustafizur Rahman got two wickets and Rubel Hossain marked a milestone of taking 100 wickets after blowing off the stumps of Tendai Chatara.

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WICKET! Rubel on a hat-trick! Zimbabwe are 167/9.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvZIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvZIM</a> 
 
To Watch Tri-Nation ODI Series LIVE, Download the app from the links below and hit the LIVE Button. 
 
Android: <a href="https://t.co/gRrE3kJgYc">https://t.co/gRrE3kJgYc</a> 
iOS: <a href="https://t.co/FfYlStljof">https://t.co/FfYlStljof</a> 
 
Watch Live Streaming at <a href="https://t.co/rlvwX9LzlX">https://t.co/rlvwX9LzlX</a> <a href="https://t.co/InWY7J33MT">pic.twitter.com/InWY7J33MT</a>
&mdash; Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers/status/952830130807750656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#">&times;</a></div>

Fall of wickets:

2-1 (Solomon Mire, 0.1), 2-2 (Craig Ervine, 0.3), 30-3 (Hamilton Masakadza, 7.6), 51-4 (Brendan Taylor, 16.4), 81-5 (Malcolm Waller, 25.4), 131-6 (Sikandar Raza, 39.1), 161-7 (Graeme Cremer, 45.3), 167-8 (Peter Moor, 47.3), 167-9 (Tendai Chatara, 47.4), 170-10 (Blessing Muzarabani, 48.6).

Zimbabwe set a target of 171 runs after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl

The first match of tri-nation ODI Series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is underway. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl. Batting first, Zimbabwe couldn't score much and had to settle for 170 runs after being destroyed by the stunning spell of Bangladeshi bowlers. Bangladesh created pressure by taking wickets at regular intervals and restricted the Zimbabwe team at a lower total. Zimbabwe had a crashing start as they lost 2 wickets in the first over. Shakib-al-Hasan was magnificent in his spell and took two early wickets of Solomon Mire and Craig Ervine. Hamilton Masakadza fell prey to skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and lost his wicket after scoring 15 odd runs. Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza tried scoring and created a partnership of 21 runs before Taylor lost his wicket to Mustafizur at 24. Later, Raza defended his wicket and tried to push the run rate. He found a determined ally in Peter Moor and they both had put up a 50-run partnership. Sikandar Raza was playing defensive but was run out by Shakib and Rahim. The rest of the team wrapped up quickly. Bangladesh bowlers confounded Zimbabwe's batting order. Sunzamul Islam got one wicket, Mustafizur Rahman got two wickets and Rubel Hossain marked a milestone of taking 100 wickets after blowing off the stumps of Tendai Chatara. WICKET! Rubel on a hat-trick! Zimbabwe are 167/9.#BANvZIM To Watch Tri-Nation ODI Series LIVE, Download the app from the links below and hit the LIVE Button. Android: https://t.co/gRrE3kJgYc iOS: https://t.co/FfYlStljof Watch Live Streaming at https://t.co/rlvwX9LzlX pic.twitter.com/InWY7J33MT — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 15, 2018 × Fall of wickets: 2-1 (Solomon Mire, 0.1), 2-2 (Craig Ervine, 0.3), 30-3 (Hamilton Masakadza, 7.6), 51-4 (Brendan Taylor, 16.4), 81-5 (Malcolm Waller, 25.4), 131-6 (Sikandar Raza, 39.1), 161-7 (Graeme Cremer, 45.3), 167-8 (Peter Moor, 47.3), 167-9 (Tendai Chatara, 47.4), 170-10 (Blessing Muzarabani, 48.6).

Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe: Shakib Al Hasan outspins Zimbabwe

A Rohingya refugee camp has come up in West Bengal&#39;s South 24 Parganas district. The camp currently houses six families who were brought over the border from Bangladesh by cattle smugglers and agents.&nbsp;

Each of the refugees was charged between Rs 20,000 to 25,000 and they came minus passports or visas.&nbsp;

WION was the first channel to uncover the racket along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Now, with the coming up of the camp, there is definite proof that Rohingya are being smuggled into India from Bangladesh.&nbsp;

This particular camp came up about a month ago.&nbsp;

The camp has eight large rooms with a partition each. So each of the six Rohingya families has access to a two-roomed shelter.&nbsp;

The rooms are made of tin and have asbestos ceilings from which hang small ceiling lamps. Some of the rooms have beds.&nbsp;

The Rohingya refugees have access to two common toilets and one tube-well for water.&nbsp;

Hussain Gazi, a social worker, gave up his plot of land and with the help of NGOs and local villagers helped set up the camp.&nbsp;

&quot;NGOs and local villagers have been contributing towards the Rohingyas with rice, lentils, warm clothing for winters and even blankets. I felt that I should be doing something towards these homeless people hence donated my land to them and with the help of locals set up these houses. Some locals are also hiring the men of the camp and giving them money in return,&quot; Gazi told WION.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/rohingya5-20180115023917.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Local villagers have donated food, warm clothing and blankets to the Rohingya to help them tide over the winter. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/rohingya6-20180115023953.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Cattle smugglers speak to WION. Because of a crackdown on cattle smuggling by the BSF and the West Bengal Police, the cattle smugglers have now taken to smuggling in Rohingya. (WION) (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Cattle smugglers have been active across the Malda-Bangladesh border for decades. They&#39;ve now switched to smuggling in Rohingya because of a crackdown by the BSF and the West Bengal Police.&nbsp;

WION spoke to some of the smugglers who confessed to being involved in the racket.&nbsp;

They said organised networks are in place. Agents from both sides strike up a deal and finalise the rates.&nbsp;

The smugglers said rates for the smuggling of Rohingya have been fixed. And that discounts are given should an entire Rohingya family want to cross over.&nbsp;

&quot;There is a lot of competition and if we don&#39;t give out a discount, agents in Bangladesh will strike a deal with other smugglers. Profit margins in cattle smuggling are very high, in comparison to smuggling of Rohingyas. Helping Rohingyas cross over into Bengal does not fetch them big profits but in absence of any other jobs and industry in the district, we have chosen this as our sole source of livelihood,&quot; one cattle smuggler said. &nbsp;

&quot;We stay in touch with agents in Bangladesh for the smuggling of cattle, the same agent finds us the Rohingya family from refugee camps and strikes a deal. Once they come close to the Indian border the labours who work for these smugglers and are directly involved in pushing cattle from the Indian territory into Bangladesh territory help these Rohingyas cross into the border,&quot; said another. &nbsp;

&quot;We charge Rs 20,000-25,000 from each of the Rohingya refugee, half of which has to be given to the labourers, who help them cross over the border physically,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

At the camp, the Rohingya say they crossed over the border but that they do not have visas or passports.&nbsp;

&quot;I don&#39;t have any passport, I entered with the help of an agent through the border. Some of my family members could not come with me as I did not have enough money. I&#39;m trying to earn some money here so that I can bring my family members here,&quot; one of the refugees, Md. Jahangir, said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There has been no word on the camp from the government of West Bengal.&nbsp;

But the SP of Baruipur district, Arijit Sinha, told WION that they have submitted the Rohingya refugees&#39; UNHRC cards and other documents and are looking into the legal ramifications of whether they can continue to stay on in Bengal or not. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A Rohingya refugee camp has come up in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. The camp currently houses six families who were brought over the border from Bangladesh by cattle smugglers and agents. Each of the refugees was charged between Rs 20,000 to 25,000 and they came minus passports or visas. WION was the first channel to uncover the racket along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Now, with the coming up of the camp, there is definite proof that Rohingya are being smuggled into India from Bangladesh. This particular camp came up about a month ago. The camp has eight large rooms with a partition each. So each of the six Rohingya families has access to a two-roomed shelter. The rooms are made of tin and have asbestos ceilings from which hang small ceiling lamps. Some of the rooms have beds. The Rohingya refugees have access to two common toilets and one tube-well for water. Hussain Gazi, a social worker, gave up his plot of land and with the help of NGOs and local villagers helped set up the camp. "NGOs and local villagers have been contributing towards the Rohingyas with rice, lentils, warm clothing for winters and even blankets. I felt that I should be doing something towards these homeless people hence donated my land to them and with the help of locals set up these houses. Some locals are also hiring the men of the camp and giving them money in return," Gazi told WION. Local villagers have donated food, warm clothing and blankets to the Rohingya to help them tide over the winter. (WION) × Cattle smugglers speak to WION. Because of a crackdown on cattle smuggling by the BSF and the West Bengal Police, the cattle smugglers have now taken to smuggling in Rohingya. (WION) (WION) × Cattle smugglers have been active across the Malda-Bangladesh border for decades. They've now switched to smuggling in Rohingya because of a crackdown by the BSF and the West Bengal Police. WION spoke to some of the smugglers who confessed to being involved in the racket. They said organised networks are in place. Agents from both sides strike up a deal and finalise the rates. The smugglers said rates for the smuggling of Rohingya have been fixed. And that discounts are given should an entire Rohingya family want to cross over. "There is a lot of competition and if we don't give out a discount, agents in Bangladesh will strike a deal with other smugglers. Profit margins in cattle smuggling are very high, in comparison to smuggling of Rohingyas. Helping Rohingyas cross over into Bengal does not fetch them big profits but in absence of any other jobs and industry in the district, we have chosen this as our sole source of livelihood," one cattle smuggler said. "We stay in touch with agents in Bangladesh for the smuggling of cattle, the same agent finds us the Rohingya family from refugee camps and strikes a deal. Once they come close to the Indian border the labours who work for these smugglers and are directly involved in pushing cattle from the Indian territory into Bangladesh territory help these Rohingyas cross into the border," said another. "We charge Rs 20,000-25,000 from each of the Rohingya refugee, half of which has to be given to the labourers, who help them cross over the border physically," he added. At the camp, the Rohingya say they crossed over the border but that they do not have visas or passports. "I don't have any passport, I entered with the help of an agent through the border. Some of my family members could not come with me as I did not have enough money. I'm trying to earn some money here so that I can bring my family members here," one of the refugees, Md. Jahangir, said. There has been no word on the camp from the government of West Bengal. But the SP of Baruipur district, Arijit Sinha, told WION that they have submitted the Rohingya refugees' UNHRC cards and other documents and are looking into the legal ramifications of whether they can continue to stay on in Bengal or not.

Rohingya refugee camp comes up in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

Opener Tamim Iqbal struck an unbeaten half-century to guide Bangladesh to an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of a tri-nation one-day international tournament in Dhaka on Monday.

Tamim scored 84 off 93 balls at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium as Bangladesh cruised to 171-2 in just 28.3 overs.

The hosts earlier dispatched Zimbabwe for 170 in 49 overs as left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan claimed 3-43.

Sikandar Raza top-scored for the visitors with 52 as well as taking 2-53.

Bangladesh never looked in trouble, with Shakib striking twice in the first over after skipper Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and opted to bowl.

Mashrafe and Mustafizur Rahman quickly reduced Zimbabwe to 51 for four, before Raza provided some brief resistance to his dogged 99-ball innings.

Peter Moor supported Raza with 33 before Rubel Hossain (2-24) took two wickets off successive balls, fast-tracking Zimbabwe&rsquo;s collapse and becoming Bangladesh&#39;s fifth bowler to claim 100 ODI wickets.

Mustafizur, who claimed 2-29, produced an off-cutter to uproot Blessing Muzarabani&#39;s off-stump and end Zimbabwe&rsquo;s innings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 8 wickets in the opening match of ROCKET Tri-Nation ODI Series 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvZIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvZIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/OERqPlCZQV">pic.twitter.com/OERqPlCZQV</a>
&mdash; Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers/status/952878249972871169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Tamim, who hit eight fours and a six, lost his opening partner Anamul Haque early on for 19 but added 78 with Shakib (37) for the second wicket to set up the innings for Bangladesh.

Shakib -- who won the man of the match award -- said the win stood the hosts in good stead ahead of their match against Sri Lanka, the other team in the tri-nation series.

&quot;Keeping up momentum is very important. This win should give us some confidence before facing Sri Lanka, who I think will offer us a tough challenge,&quot; he said.

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer blamed poor batting for their defeat.

&quot;It was not one of those wickets where you could score easily. We had a lot of soft dismissals in our batting line-up,&quot; he said.

Zimbabwe play Sri Lanka in their next match of the tournament at the same ground on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-vs-zimbabwe-shakib-al-hasan-outspins-zimbabwe-29582">Also</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-vs-zimbabwe-shakib-al-hasan-outspins-zimbabwe-29582"> see Zimbabwe&#39;s innings.</a>

&nbsp;

Zimbabwe had set a target of 171 runs after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl

Opener Tamim Iqbal struck an unbeaten half-century to guide Bangladesh to an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of a tri-nation one-day international tournament in Dhaka on Monday. Tamim scored 84 off 93 balls at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium as Bangladesh cruised to 171-2 in just 28.3 overs. The hosts earlier dispatched Zimbabwe for 170 in 49 overs as left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan claimed 3-43. Sikandar Raza top-scored for the visitors with 52 as well as taking 2-53. Bangladesh never looked in trouble, with Shakib striking twice in the first over after skipper Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and opted to bowl. Mashrafe and Mustafizur Rahman quickly reduced Zimbabwe to 51 for four, before Raza provided some brief resistance to his dogged 99-ball innings. Peter Moor supported Raza with 33 before Rubel Hossain (2-24) took two wickets off successive balls, fast-tracking Zimbabwe’s collapse and becoming Bangladesh's fifth bowler to claim 100 ODI wickets. Mustafizur, who claimed 2-29, produced an off-cutter to uproot Blessing Muzarabani's off-stump and end Zimbabwe’s innings. Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 8 wickets in the opening match of ROCKET Tri-Nation ODI Series 2018.#BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/OERqPlCZQV — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 15, 2018 × Tamim, who hit eight fours and a six, lost his opening partner Anamul Haque early on for 19 but added 78 with Shakib (37) for the second wicket to set up the innings for Bangladesh. Shakib -- who won the man of the match award -- said the win stood the hosts in good stead ahead of their match against Sri Lanka, the other team in the tri-nation series. "Keeping up momentum is very important. This win should give us some confidence before facing Sri Lanka, who I think will offer us a tough challenge," he said. Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer blamed poor batting for their defeat. "It was not one of those wickets where you could score easily. We had a lot of soft dismissals in our batting line-up," he said. Zimbabwe play Sri Lanka in their next match of the tournament at the same ground on Wednesday. Also see Zimbabwe's innings.

Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan inspire Bangladesh to victory over Zimbabwe

Rohingya Muslim insurgents said on Saturday that 10 Rohingya found in a mass grave in Myanmar&#39;s troubled Rakhine state last month were &quot;innocent civilians&quot;, and not members of their group.

Myanmar&#39;s military said earlier this week its soldiers had killed 10 captured Muslim &quot;terrorists&quot; during insurgent attacks at the beginning of September after Buddhist villagers had forced the captured men into a grave the villagers had dug.

It was a rare acknowledgement of wrongdoing by the Myanmar military during its operations in the western state of Rakhine.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), whose raids against security posts starting last August sparked sweeping military operations in the Muslim-majority northern part of Rakhine, said it &quot;whole-heartedly welcomes the admission&quot; of &quot;war crimes&quot; by the &quot;Burmese terrorist army&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;We hereby declare that these ten innocent Rohingya civilians found in the said mass grave in Inn Din Village Tract were neither ARSA nor had any association with ARSA&quot;, the group said in a statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

A Myanmar government spokesman said in response to ARSA&#39;s statement that sometimes &quot;terrorists and villagers were allied&quot; in attacks&quot; against security forces.

&quot;We have already said it is very difficult to segregate who is a terrorist and who are innocent villagers,&quot; spokesman Zaw Htay said. &quot;There will be an ongoing investigating process whether they are members of ARSA or not.&quot;&nbsp;

The Myanmar military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

New step

Myanmar&rsquo;s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi said on Friday it was &ldquo;positive&rdquo; that the country&rsquo;s military was taking responsibility for the actions of troops.

&ldquo;It is a new step for our country,&rdquo; she told a joint news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Myanmar`s capital of Naypyitaw.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I see it that way because a country needs to take responsibility for the rule of law in the country, and this is the first step on the road of taking responsibility and it is a positive thing,&rdquo; She said, according to a transcript of the news conference posted on her Facebook page.

On December&nbsp;18, the military announced a mass grave containing 10 bodies had been found at the coastal village of Inn Din, about 50 km (30 miles) north of the state capital Sittwe. The army appointed a senior officer to investigate.

A statement from the military on Wednesday said its investigation had found that members of the security forces had taken part in the killings and action would be taken against them.

Some civilians wanted to kill the 10 men to avenge the death of an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist man in Inn Dinn village named Maung Ni and would face punishment, the military said.

On Saturday, a lawyer for one of Maung Ni&rsquo;s sons said police were seeking murder charges against the son, named Tun Aye, for taking part in the killings. Lawyer Khin Win said a murder complaint against the son was filed with local prosecutors last week in Maungdaw, the nearest town to Inn Din.&nbsp;

Tun Aye was one of four Inn Din villagers detained by police on December&nbsp;15, said Khin Win. The other three had been released, he said.

National police spokesman Thet Naing said he was not aware of the murder complaint.&nbsp;

The Rohingya crisis erupted after Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts on August&nbsp;25 in Rakhine triggered a fierce military response that the United Nations denounced as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies ethnic cleansing, saying its security forces had mounted legitimate counter-insurgency clearance operations.&nbsp;

The Myanmar military did not immediately respond to requests for comment

Rohingya Muslim insurgents said on Saturday that 10 Rohingya found in a mass grave in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state last month were "innocent civilians", and not members of their group. Myanmar's military said earlier this week its soldiers had killed 10 captured Muslim "terrorists" during insurgent attacks at the beginning of September after Buddhist villagers had forced the captured men into a grave the villagers had dug. It was a rare acknowledgement of wrongdoing by the Myanmar military during its operations in the western state of Rakhine. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), whose raids against security posts starting last August sparked sweeping military operations in the Muslim-majority northern part of Rakhine, said it "whole-heartedly welcomes the admission" of "war crimes" by the "Burmese terrorist army". "We hereby declare that these ten innocent Rohingya civilians found in the said mass grave in Inn Din Village Tract were neither ARSA nor had any association with ARSA", the group said in a statement on Twitter. A Myanmar government spokesman said in response to ARSA's statement that sometimes "terrorists and villagers were allied" in attacks" against security forces. "We have already said it is very difficult to segregate who is a terrorist and who are innocent villagers," spokesman Zaw Htay said. "There will be an ongoing investigating process whether they are members of ARSA or not." The Myanmar military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. New step Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi said on Friday it was “positive” that the country’s military was taking responsibility for the actions of troops. “It is a new step for our country,” she told a joint news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Myanmar`s capital of Naypyitaw. “I see it that way because a country needs to take responsibility for the rule of law in the country, and this is the first step on the road of taking responsibility and it is a positive thing,” She said, according to a transcript of the news conference posted on her Facebook page. On December 18, the military announced a mass grave containing 10 bodies had been found at the coastal village of Inn Din, about 50 km (30 miles) north of the state capital Sittwe. The army appointed a senior officer to investigate. A statement from the military on Wednesday said its investigation had found that members of the security forces had taken part in the killings and action would be taken against them. Some civilians wanted to kill the 10 men to avenge the death of an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist man in Inn Dinn village named Maung Ni and would face punishment, the military said. On Saturday, a lawyer for one of Maung Ni’s sons said police were seeking murder charges against the son, named Tun Aye, for taking part in the killings. Lawyer Khin Win said a murder complaint against the son was filed with local prosecutors last week in Maungdaw, the nearest town to Inn Din. Tun Aye was one of four Inn Din villagers detained by police on December 15, said Khin Win. The other three had been released, he said. National police spokesman Thet Naing said he was not aware of the murder complaint. The Rohingya crisis erupted after Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts on August 25 in Rakhine triggered a fierce military response that the United Nations denounced as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies ethnic cleansing, saying its security forces had mounted legitimate counter-insurgency clearance operations.

Rohingya insurgents say 10 found in Myanmar grave 'innocent civilians'

Bangladesh will set up special courts at its cricket stadiums to try and convict any punters caught gambling during an upcoming international series, an official said today.

Gamblers caught during the tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe which will start on January 15 would be hauled from the stands and tried on the spot by judges in temporary courtrooms, a cricket board official said.

&quot;Betting will be treated as a public nuisance. Anyone found involved will be convicted and punished instantly in the stadium,&quot; Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told AFP.

The special courts will continue to target gamblers during Sri Lanka&#39;s tour of Bangladesh, which starts at the end of January after the tri-nation series.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play two Test matches and two Twenty20 Internationals.

Gambling is illegal but rampant during cricket matches in Bangladesh, where punters exploit a brief delay between live play and the official broadcast of results to place frantic bets.

Authorities threw nearly 80 spectators out of matches for placing bets using their mobile phones during the latest edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament, which concluded last month.

At least a dozen of them were foreigners.

Police in November deported at least five Indians caught gambling during these short-format matches.

So-called &quot;mobile courts&quot; are popular in Bangladesh. In October, more than 200 people accused of abuses against Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh&#39;s southeast were jailed by special courts there.

&nbsp;

The special courts will target the tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and also Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh

Bangladesh will set up special courts at its cricket stadiums to try and convict any punters caught gambling during an upcoming international series, an official said today. Gamblers caught during the tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe which will start on January 15 would be hauled from the stands and tried on the spot by judges in temporary courtrooms, a cricket board official said. "Betting will be treated as a public nuisance. Anyone found involved will be convicted and punished instantly in the stadium," Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told AFP. The special courts will continue to target gamblers during Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh, which starts at the end of January after the tri-nation series. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play two Test matches and two Twenty20 Internationals. Gambling is illegal but rampant during cricket matches in Bangladesh, where punters exploit a brief delay between live play and the official broadcast of results to place frantic bets. Authorities threw nearly 80 spectators out of matches for placing bets using their mobile phones during the latest edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament, which concluded last month. At least a dozen of them were foreigners. Police in November deported at least five Indians caught gambling during these short-format matches. So-called "mobile courts" are popular in Bangladesh. In October, more than 200 people accused of abuses against Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's southeast were jailed by special courts there.

Bangladesh to introduce special courts in cricket stadiums to curb betting

The National Registry of Citizens (NRC) has its own history that gave identity and politics its own language in post-colonial Assam. The genesis of such a discourse is embedded in a kind of Assamese nationalism that managed to construct a concrete other, a common enemy, the Bangladeshi. This construction of the other set a precedent to the regional and identity politics of India&rsquo;s North-east, where the Bangladeshi became a soft target, an &lsquo;alien&rsquo; and unwanted.

National Registry of Citizens

The stage was set for NRC declaration for the first time since 1951. People rushed to the nearest Seva Kendras to check their status on the eve of the new year, where legality and illegality hanged in balance. Such is the intensity of this declaration that security has been beefed up in sensitive pockets to maintain law and order involving the army, paramilitary forces, state police, among others. The declaration also seems to incite the memories of agitation against foreigners. The Bharatiya Janta Party have laid their claims that they have, finally, made it possible, the dream of every Assamese and have made the 855 martyrs life worthwhile, as the NRC is a great leap forward in making a Bangladeshi free Assam.

The state of Assam under the mandate of the Supreme Court of India published the first draft of the NRC data yesterday which listed 19 million people out of 32.9 million applicants as legal citizens of India. The remaining applicants are at various stages of application and no one should panic if their names are not included in the first list, stated the Chief Minister of the state, Sarbananda Sonowal. He appealed to the people of the state to keep calm. The Register General of India, Sailesh also noted that as soon as the verification process is completed another draft shall be published too which would include 29 lakh married women who migrated post-marriage.

The first round of NRC was updated last in 1951 which recorded about 80 lakh citizens in the state right after the population census was conducted in the same year. Two sets of data played a central role in the identification process&mdash;the 1951 NRC data and the Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24th March 1971. These two sets of data are collectively known as Legacy Data, that sent the state to splits where people were left searching for a piece of paper to prove their belonging to a geography.

NRC is a very detailed, tedious and almost bogus documentation when one looks at the initiative at the level of documentation. The larger political significance and motive is located in Assam Agitation and the drive to deport and detect the so-called &lsquo;Bangaldeshi&rsquo;. This identification process is a way of filtering the &lsquo;alien&rsquo; people who are hated and othered in the state.

The Road Ahead

Few questions arise on the conduct of the process. What will happen to so-called foreigners, once identified as illegal or doubtful? What are the ends of this process? Given that there is no treaty existing between India and Bangladesh on the front of deportation, the identification seems to hit a roadblock.&nbsp;

The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act was one such act that was directed to deport the so-called &lsquo;foreigners&rsquo;, however, it was struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2005 in Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India. An idea has also been floating around which called for the re-distribution the so-called illegal people that will be verified through the NRC to other regions of India.

On account of the religious identity of the so-called Bangladeshi, all the opposition parties have voiced their concerns and opposition to such a consideration. However, there is no dearth of such distinctions and pronunciations. Hemanta Biswa Sarma have openly stated that the illegal shall be deported by hook or crook. He even wants to deport Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar to Bangladesh. Union Minister Rajen Gohain also claims that rehabilitation of Hindu Bangladeshi shall not harm the state and the Assamese identity.

Much of the energy is invested in the issue of the outsider. It is the most enduring of issues that have sidelined a host of serious issues of the state, from employment to maternal mortality. NRC brings a mixed bag of claims and counterclaims, however, in this bleak mid-winter it has made the life of many a precarious one.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

The issue of identifying the 'outsider' has emerged as the most enduring of issues but it has sidelined a host of serious issues of Assam, from employment to maternal mortality.

The National Registry of Citizens (NRC) has its own history that gave identity and politics its own language in post-colonial Assam. The genesis of such a discourse is embedded in a kind of Assamese nationalism that managed to construct a concrete other, a common enemy, the Bangladeshi. This construction of the other set a precedent to the regional and identity politics of India’s North-east, where the Bangladeshi became a soft target, an ‘alien’ and unwanted. National Registry of Citizens The stage was set for NRC declaration for the first time since 1951. People rushed to the nearest Seva Kendras to check their status on the eve of the new year, where legality and illegality hanged in balance. Such is the intensity of this declaration that security has been beefed up in sensitive pockets to maintain law and order involving the army, paramilitary forces, state police, among others. The declaration also seems to incite the memories of agitation against foreigners. The Bharatiya Janta Party have laid their claims that they have, finally, made it possible, the dream of every Assamese and have made the 855 martyrs life worthwhile, as the NRC is a great leap forward in making a Bangladeshi free Assam. The state of Assam under the mandate of the Supreme Court of India published the first draft of the NRC data yesterday which listed 19 million people out of 32.9 million applicants as legal citizens of India. The remaining applicants are at various stages of application and no one should panic if their names are not included in the first list, stated the Chief Minister of the state, Sarbananda Sonowal. He appealed to the people of the state to keep calm. The Register General of India, Sailesh also noted that as soon as the verification process is completed another draft shall be published too which would include 29 lakh married women who migrated post-marriage. The first round of NRC was updated last in 1951 which recorded about 80 lakh citizens in the state right after the population census was conducted in the same year. Two sets of data played a central role in the identification process—the 1951 NRC data and the Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24th March 1971. These two sets of data are collectively known as Legacy Data, that sent the state to splits where people were left searching for a piece of paper to prove their belonging to a geography. NRC is a very detailed, tedious and almost bogus documentation when one looks at the initiative at the level of documentation. The larger political significance and motive is located in Assam Agitation and the drive to deport and detect the so-called ‘Bangaldeshi’. This identification process is a way of filtering the ‘alien’ people who are hated and othered in the state. The Road Ahead Few questions arise on the conduct of the process. What will happen to so-called foreigners, once identified as illegal or doubtful? What are the ends of this process? Given that there is no treaty existing between India and Bangladesh on the front of deportation, the identification seems to hit a roadblock. The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act was one such act that was directed to deport the so-called ‘foreigners’, however, it was struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2005 in Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India. An idea has also been floating around which called for the re-distribution the so-called illegal people that will be verified through the NRC to other regions of India. On account of the religious identity of the so-called Bangladeshi, all the opposition parties have voiced their concerns and opposition to such a consideration. However, there is no dearth of such distinctions and pronunciations. Hemanta Biswa Sarma have openly stated that the illegal shall be deported by hook or crook. He even wants to deport Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar to Bangladesh. Union Minister Rajen Gohain also claims that rehabilitation of Hindu Bangladeshi shall not harm the state and the Assamese identity. Much of the energy is invested in the issue of the outsider. It is the most enduring of issues that have sidelined a host of serious issues of the state, from employment to maternal mortality. NRC brings a mixed bag of claims and counterclaims, however, in this bleak mid-winter it has made the life of many a precarious one. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Assam's National Register of Citizens is a futile process

&nbsp;Assam has mobilised around 60,000 police and paramilitary troops ahead of the publication of a list of citizens it says will be used to detect and deport illegal immigrants - mainly Muslims - from neighbouring Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in the eastern state of Assam for the first time last year, vowing to act against illegal Muslim residents who take away jobs from local Hindus.

On Sunday the state government will release a draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) after a census carried out for the first time since 1951.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>All those whose names do not figure in the NRC will have to be deported. We&#39;re taking no chances and hence all security measures have been taken,&#39; said Sarma</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=All those whose names do not figure in the NRC will have to be deported. We're taking no chances and hence all security measures have been taken,' said Sarma" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The exercise could lead to communal tensions in Assam, which has the second highest percentage of Muslims of any Indian state. Muslims leaders have called the NRC a tool to make them stateless, likening themselves to Myanmar&#39;s persecuted Rohingya minority.

&quot;The NRC is being done to identify illegal Bangladeshis residing in Assam,&quot; Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam&#39;s finance minister who is also in charge of the citizenship register, told Reuters. &quot;All those whose names do not figure in the NRC will have to be deported. We&#39;re taking no chances and hence all security measures have been taken.&quot;

Sarma said Hindu Bangladeshis who faced persecution there would be given shelter in India, in line with federal policy.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi had no immediate comment.

Bangladesh&#39;s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said Dhaka had no knowledge of any plans to deport people. &quot;We didn&#39;t receive any information from the Indian government, neither formally nor informally,&quot; he said.

It is estimated that there are more than 2 million Muslims in Assam who trace their roots to Bangladesh.

To be recognised as Indian citizens, they must be able to produce documents proving that they or their family lived in the country before March 24, 1971.

&quot;My grandparents and my parents were all born in India but today we are finding it difficult to provide documents to support our claims that we are Indians,&quot; said Asiful Rahman, a teacher at an Islamic seminary in a Muslim-majority district of Assam.

&quot;Our parents and grandparents were illiterate and did not keep any legal documents, and for that we are facing the test of proving our Indian nationality now.&quot;

Tens of thousands of people fled to India from Bangladesh during its war of independence from Pakistan in the early 1970s. Most of them settled in Assam, in India&#39;s north-east, and the neighbouring state of West Bengal, where there are similar demands to send back illegal Muslim immigrants.

&#39;Bags packed&#39;

When Modi&#39;s BJP swept to power nationally in 2014, the election was marred by sectarian violence in Assam that killed more than 40 people. During that campaign, Modi told illegal immigrants in states bordering Bangladesh to have their &quot;bags packed&quot; ready to be sent home should he win. (reut.rs/1nt01vI)

Since taking office, meanwhile, the government has been making it easier for Hindus, Buddhists and Christians from Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain citizenship in India.

Proposed changes to the law would mean no Hindu or other minority from those countries who arrived in India before the end of 2016 would be considered illegal immigrants.

Modi&#39;s administration also plans to nearly halve the number of years Hindus and other minorities from the neighbouring countries need for naturalisation to six years, in line with a long-held belief on the religious right that India is the home for all Hindus. (http://bit.ly/2E5fImA)

A pilot project to update the NRC in Assam in 2010, under the previous Congress government, had to be stopped due to what the government called &quot;law and order problems&quot;. The current process is being monitored by the Supreme Court and it could be months or years before the list is finalised.

The Assam government has stepped up security after a senior Muslim leader told a news conference last month that any registration of citizens on the basis of religion would be &quot;devastating&quot; for the country and there could be &quot;unrest&quot;.

&quot;One needs a number of documents to prove the family lineage and nationality,&quot; said Rafiqul Ali, a college student in the Muslim-dominated Barpeta district of Assam. &quot;I know many of my friends and relatives who were unable to submit all the documents required to get names enlisted in the NRC.&quot;

The National Register of Citizens will be released on Sunday

Assam has mobilised around 60,000 police and paramilitary troops ahead of the publication of a list of citizens it says will be used to detect and deport illegal immigrants - mainly Muslims - from neighbouring Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in the eastern state of Assam for the first time last year, vowing to act against illegal Muslim residents who take away jobs from local Hindus. On Sunday the state government will release a draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) after a census carried out for the first time since 1951. All those whose names do not figure in the NRC will have to be deported. We're taking no chances and hence all security measures have been taken,' said Sarma × The exercise could lead to communal tensions in Assam, which has the second highest percentage of Muslims of any Indian state. Muslims leaders have called the NRC a tool to make them stateless, likening themselves to Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya minority. "The NRC is being done to identify illegal Bangladeshis residing in Assam," Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam's finance minister who is also in charge of the citizenship register, told Reuters. "All those whose names do not figure in the NRC will have to be deported. We're taking no chances and hence all security measures have been taken." Sarma said Hindu Bangladeshis who faced persecution there would be given shelter in India, in line with federal policy. A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi had no immediate comment. Bangladesh's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said Dhaka had no knowledge of any plans to deport people. "We didn't receive any information from the Indian government, neither formally nor informally," he said. It is estimated that there are more than 2 million Muslims in Assam who trace their roots to Bangladesh. To be recognised as Indian citizens, they must be able to produce documents proving that they or their family lived in the country before March 24, 1971. "My grandparents and my parents were all born in India but today we are finding it difficult to provide documents to support our claims that we are Indians," said Asiful Rahman, a teacher at an Islamic seminary in a Muslim-majority district of Assam. "Our parents and grandparents were illiterate and did not keep any legal documents, and for that we are facing the test of proving our Indian nationality now." Tens of thousands of people fled to India from Bangladesh during its war of independence from Pakistan in the early 1970s. Most of them settled in Assam, in India's north-east, and the neighbouring state of West Bengal, where there are similar demands to send back illegal Muslim immigrants. 'Bags packed' When Modi's BJP swept to power nationally in 2014, the election was marred by sectarian violence in Assam that killed more than 40 people. During that campaign, Modi told illegal immigrants in states bordering Bangladesh to have their "bags packed" ready to be sent home should he win. (reut.rs/1nt01vI) Since taking office, meanwhile, the government has been making it easier for Hindus, Buddhists and Christians from Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain citizenship in India. Proposed changes to the law would mean no Hindu or other minority from those countries who arrived in India before the end of 2016 would be considered illegal immigrants. Modi's administration also plans to nearly halve the number of years Hindus and other minorities from the neighbouring countries need for naturalisation to six years, in line with a long-held belief on the religious right that India is the home for all Hindus. (http://bit.ly/2E5fImA) A pilot project to update the NRC in Assam in 2010, under the previous Congress government, had to be stopped due to what the government called "law and order problems". The current process is being monitored by the Supreme Court and it could be months or years before the list is finalised. The Assam government has stepped up security after a senior Muslim leader told a news conference last month that any registration of citizens on the basis of religion would be "devastating" for the country and there could be "unrest". "One needs a number of documents to prove the family lineage and nationality," said Rafiqul Ali, a college student in the Muslim-dominated Barpeta district of Assam. "I know many of my friends and relatives who were unable to submit all the documents required to get names enlisted in the NRC."

Assam tense ahead of citizens' list identifying 'illegal Bangladeshis'

As we know that a significant portion of India is dependent upon rivers flowing from China for its sustenance. The existence of such rivers keeps China in a somehow upper hand situation where it can control the flow of water to affect India, Nepal and Bangladesh significantly. These rivers bring in more than 2000 cubic km of water annually into India. There are major rivers like Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej and the seven stream Kosi River of Nepal which brings about 48 cubic kilometres of water flow annually into the Ganges River System. The Tibetan watershed is so prominent that as per reports of United Nations, over half of the world&rsquo;s population is affected by the rivers flowing out of Tibet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over 8 major Tibetan Rivers, China has built over 20 dams in the last two decades or so, and some of them can really be called as Mega Dams. Not only this, as per its thirteenth 5-Years Plan which was released last year, China plans to build more hydro-power dams on the Tibetan rivers. Though the planned figures are not yet available but as per media reports, China plans to build 40 more dams of different sizes in the Tibetan watershed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India is not the first victim of China&rsquo;s water politics. Earlier, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia also protested over the building of 8 hydropower dams on the River Mekong which is considered lifeline of these countries but their protestations have gone in vain. The resultant effect on the ecology of these countries is now visible.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In case of India, China&rsquo;s accelerated programme to harness increasing amount of energy from water is going to trigger serious environmental disturbances which include natural disasters, fragile ecosystems of the region and diversion of riverine routes. Thus, it is with some amount of alarm that India receives the announcement of a 2000MW Suwalong Project over one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the immediate strategic threat is now haunting us- the Chines Water bomb. The reservoirs of these dams are a serious security concern for us. China&rsquo;s dam projects are known to the world but the matter of concern in the current scenario is that the neighbouring country is not sharing its hydrological data with Government of India in a real-time scenario. The most recent example is of this year itself where this data was not shared since May 2017 and, thus, resulted in the loss of over 50 lives and affected over 3.5 Million people in 25 districts during monsoons. This flood was considered the worst in last 29 years.

&nbsp;

This can also be taken as a tool to blackmail India. If China stops the water of these rivers, India and Bangladesh will have water crisis resulting in famine. On the other hand, if it releases the water without any significant warning, the same will cause devastating floods in the region. The whole of North India (dependent upon Bhakhra Nangal Dam of Sutlej), Eastern India (Bihar and West Bengal dependent upon the water of Kosi River System) and entire North East (Brahmaputra River) are under serious threat now.

&nbsp;

Recently, senior Assam government officials also raised concern about the construction of some riverine tunnels to divert water from Brahmaputra River. On analysing, it was found that there were reports in the Chinse media that China is testing some technology to construct 1000 km long tunnel so that it can carry water from Tibet to Xinjiang province in the Taklamakan Desert. This is an area which is likely to be the hub of China&rsquo;s One Belt One Road (OBOR) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor. China needs a large amount of water there. This kind of ecological disturbances is very serious for the existence of the entire human race.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

So, what India should do now?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The solution lies in the optimum utilisation of the Himalayan watershed, especially the rivers originating in India. The ambitious project of linking of rivers will also help in case of any crisis. India should also harvest its share optimally out of the western rivers as per Indus River Treaty with Pakistan. As of now, we are not utilising our own share optimally.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India should also consider strengthening our disaster-management system, earmarking key areas where its people may get affected. The concrete disaster management strategy will save precious lives in the future.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

As China builds dams over rivers originating in Tibet, India faces a serious security and environmental threat.

As we know that a significant portion of India is dependent upon rivers flowing from China for its sustenance. The existence of such rivers keeps China in a somehow upper hand situation where it can control the flow of water to affect India, Nepal and Bangladesh significantly. These rivers bring in more than 2000 cubic km of water annually into India. There are major rivers like Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej and the seven stream Kosi River of Nepal which brings about 48 cubic kilometres of water flow annually into the Ganges River System. The Tibetan watershed is so prominent that as per reports of United Nations, over half of the world’s population is affected by the rivers flowing out of Tibet. Over 8 major Tibetan Rivers, China has built over 20 dams in the last two decades or so, and some of them can really be called as Mega Dams. Not only this, as per its thirteenth 5-Years Plan which was released last year, China plans to build more hydro-power dams on the Tibetan rivers. Though the planned figures are not yet available but as per media reports, China plans to build 40 more dams of different sizes in the Tibetan watershed. India is not the first victim of China’s water politics. Earlier, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia also protested over the building of 8 hydropower dams on the River Mekong which is considered lifeline of these countries but their protestations have gone in vain. The resultant effect on the ecology of these countries is now visible. In case of India, China’s accelerated programme to harness increasing amount of energy from water is going to trigger serious environmental disturbances which include natural disasters, fragile ecosystems of the region and diversion of riverine routes. Thus, it is with some amount of alarm that India receives the announcement of a 2000MW Suwalong Project over one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra. But the immediate strategic threat is now haunting us- the Chines Water bomb. The reservoirs of these dams are a serious security concern for us. China’s dam projects are known to the world but the matter of concern in the current scenario is that the neighbouring country is not sharing its hydrological data with Government of India in a real-time scenario. The most recent example is of this year itself where this data was not shared since May 2017 and, thus, resulted in the loss of over 50 lives and affected over 3.5 Million people in 25 districts during monsoons. This flood was considered the worst in last 29 years. This can also be taken as a tool to blackmail India. If China stops the water of these rivers, India and Bangladesh will have water crisis resulting in famine. On the other hand, if it releases the water without any significant warning, the same will cause devastating floods in the region. The whole of North India (dependent upon Bhakhra Nangal Dam of Sutlej), Eastern India (Bihar and West Bengal dependent upon the water of Kosi River System) and entire North East (Brahmaputra River) are under serious threat now. Recently, senior Assam government officials also raised concern about the construction of some riverine tunnels to divert water from Brahmaputra River. On analysing, it was found that there were reports in the Chinse media that China is testing some technology to construct 1000 km long tunnel so that it can carry water from Tibet to Xinjiang province in the Taklamakan Desert. This is an area which is likely to be the hub of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor. China needs a large amount of water there. This kind of ecological disturbances is very serious for the existence of the entire human race. So, what India should do now? The solution lies in the optimum utilisation of the Himalayan watershed, especially the rivers originating in India. The ambitious project of linking of rivers will also help in case of any crisis. India should also harvest its share optimally out of the western rivers as per Indus River Treaty with Pakistan. As of now, we are not utilising our own share optimally. India should also consider strengthening our disaster-management system, earmarking key areas where its people may get affected. The concrete disaster management strategy will save precious lives in the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: China's water bomb strategy ? should India worry?

Literature newly released by Muhammad Miqdaad, a Bangladeshi Al-Qaeda fighter in the subcontinent, calls on the Muslims of Bangladesh to wage &quot;jihad&quot; against the Myanmar establishment to liberate Arakan (what is today the Rakhine state of Myanmar) for the Rohingya population.

The literature -- titled &quot;Adopt the Call of Allah; Say &ldquo;No&rdquo; to Jahiliyyah!&quot; -- was released by Al-Qaeda&#39;s As-Sahab Media on the messaging app Telegram.

Miqdaad, the author of the literature, argues that the &quot;devil and his companions&quot; have divided the identity of Muslims as one nation by segregating them by region and locality.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Due to the unrestrained cruelty &mdash; genocide, rape, and other war crimes &mdash; committed upon Arakanese Muslims, Jihad against the Burmese Army has become an individual obligation on every capable Muslim of Bangladesh,&#39; literature newly released by Al-Qaeda says</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Due to the unrestrained cruelty ? genocide, rape, and other war crimes ? committed upon Arakanese Muslims, Jihad against the Burmese Army has become an individual obligation on every capable Muslim of Bangladesh,' literature newly released by Al-Qaeda says" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Released on December 16, the literature dates back to September, Miqdaad writes: &quot;Specially, recently when I see the genocide, and the oppression on Arakanese Muslims&hellip; the demolishment of their dwellings&hellip; the assaults on their women&hellip; and then their attempts to enter Bangladesh or Malaysia for asylum&hellip; and then at the same time, the Bangladeshi and Malaysian Muslims&rsquo; adoption of the identity of Jahiliyyah while forgetting their real identity&hellip; thus rejecting and abandoning their own people by identifying them as Rohingya or Burmese.&quot;

The literature argues that Arakan is not part of Myanmar and was a blueprint of the &quot;kuffar&quot; (infidels) to &quot;annihilate the Muslims&quot;.

The nine-page piece of literature pulls references from Quranic verses and provides a brief history of the region, making its arguments methodically.

Also read -- <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-exodus-hide-run-pay-and-stay-alive-891" target="_blank">Rohingya exodus: Hide, run, pay and stay alive</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-a-rohingya-and-rohingyas-are-not-terrorist-rohingya-activist-tun-khin-speaks-to-wion-19965" target="_blank">&#39;I am a Rohingya. And Rohingyas are not terrorist&#39;: Rohingya activist Tun Khin speaks to WION</a>

The literature further states: &quot;Due to the unrestrained cruelty &mdash; genocide, rape, and other war crimes &mdash; committed upon Arakanese Muslims, Jihad against the Burmese Army has become an individual obligation on every capable Muslim of Bangladesh.&quot;

Bangladesh currently houses nearly a million Rohingya refugees, including a fresh influx of 655,000 members of the community who have sought refuge in Bangladesh&#39;s Southern Cox&#39;s Bazar since September this year. The fresh influx occurred following a crackdown by the Myanmar Army on the Rohingya population in Myanmar&#39;s northern Rakhine state.&nbsp;

Security analysts say the Rohingya&#39;s vulnerable condition makes them ripe for exploitation by extremist outfits across the region.

Recent reports in the Indian media have also revealed that members of the Rohingya community, as well as jihadists from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, have been training on making and using improvised explosive devices in Mae Sot in Thailand.

The ongoing Rohingya crisis in Rakhine erupted after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an insurgent group, killed 30 members of the Myanmar security forces on August 25.

On its Twitter page, ARSA has denied any allegiance to global terrorist organisations but the latest literature from Al-Qaeda indicates the jihadist organisation is harping on the Rohingya crisis to legitimise its own cause.

Al Qaeda has called for the liberation of Arakan (what is today the Rakhine state of Myanmar)

Literature newly released by Muhammad Miqdaad, a Bangladeshi Al-Qaeda fighter in the subcontinent, calls on the Muslims of Bangladesh to wage "jihad" against the Myanmar establishment to liberate Arakan (what is today the Rakhine state of Myanmar) for the Rohingya population. The literature -- titled "Adopt the Call of Allah; Say “No” to Jahiliyyah!" -- was released by Al-Qaeda's As-Sahab Media on the messaging app Telegram. Miqdaad, the author of the literature, argues that the "devil and his companions" have divided the identity of Muslims as one nation by segregating them by region and locality. Due to the unrestrained cruelty — genocide, rape, and other war crimes — committed upon Arakanese Muslims, Jihad against the Burmese Army has become an individual obligation on every capable Muslim of Bangladesh,' literature newly released by Al-Qaeda says × Released on December 16, the literature dates back to September, Miqdaad writes: "Specially, recently when I see the genocide, and the oppression on Arakanese Muslims… the demolishment of their dwellings… the assaults on their women… and then their attempts to enter Bangladesh or Malaysia for asylum… and then at the same time, the Bangladeshi and Malaysian Muslims’ adoption of the identity of Jahiliyyah while forgetting their real identity… thus rejecting and abandoning their own people by identifying them as Rohingya or Burmese." The literature argues that Arakan is not part of Myanmar and was a blueprint of the "kuffar" (infidels) to "annihilate the Muslims". The nine-page piece of literature pulls references from Quranic verses and provides a brief history of the region, making its arguments methodically. Also read -- Rohingya exodus: Hide, run, pay and stay alive 'I am a Rohingya. And Rohingyas are not terrorist': Rohingya activist Tun Khin speaks to WION The literature further states: "Due to the unrestrained cruelty — genocide, rape, and other war crimes — committed upon Arakanese Muslims, Jihad against the Burmese Army has become an individual obligation on every capable Muslim of Bangladesh." Bangladesh currently houses nearly a million Rohingya refugees, including a fresh influx of 655,000 members of the community who have sought refuge in Bangladesh's Southern Cox's Bazar since September this year. The fresh influx occurred following a crackdown by the Myanmar Army on the Rohingya population in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state. Security analysts say the Rohingya's vulnerable condition makes them ripe for exploitation by extremist outfits across the region. Recent reports in the Indian media have also revealed that members of the Rohingya community, as well as jihadists from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, have been training on making and using improvised explosive devices in Mae Sot in Thailand. The ongoing Rohingya crisis in Rakhine erupted after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an insurgent group, killed 30 members of the Myanmar security forces on August 25. On its Twitter page, ARSA has denied any allegiance to global terrorist organisations but the latest literature from Al-Qaeda indicates the jihadist organisation is harping on the Rohingya crisis to legitimise its own cause.

Al-Qaeda calls on Bangladeshi Muslims to wage jihad against Myanmar Army

India on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-bars-un-rights-investigator-just-before-visit-27284">announced a $25 million development</a> assistance package for Myanmar&#39;s troubled Rakhine State which has become the epicentre of Rohingya exodus to Bangladesh.

India&#39;s announcement comes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-to-start-returning-from-january-officials-27205">after foreign secretary S Jaishankar </a>held talks with Myanmarese leaders in Myanmar&#39;s capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The amount is set to be spent over a period of 5 years. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-still-fleeing-from-myanmar-to-bangladesh-unhcr-26177">Myanmar&#39;s Rakhine State has become </a>the focus of world attention with allegation of large-scale persecution being carried out by the military forcing several thousand Rohingyas to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

&quot;The amount of commitment to the development efforts is $25 million over five years which is an indicative figure and depends on the actual requirement and utilisation,&quot; external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. &nbsp;

The external affairs spokesman said there were several other aspects of discussions which included how India can help Myanmar restore normalcy in Rakhine State and help in the repatriation of Rohingyas who have fled. The spokesman also added that India welcomes intervention by any country which help in restoring normalcy in Myanmar.

India and Myanmar had earlier on Wednesday signed an agreement on restoration of normalcy and development in Rakhine State.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as the Rohingya crisis brews, Myanmar said two journalists who were detained in Myanmar on December 12 have appeared in court and remanded to judicial custody.

Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo who were reporting from Rakhine State were detained by Myanmar authorities after accusing them of violating the Official Secrets Act which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

India's announcement comes after foreign secretary S Jaishankar held talks with Myanmarese leaders in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.?

India on Thursday announced a $25 million development assistance package for Myanmar's troubled Rakhine State which has become the epicentre of Rohingya exodus to Bangladesh. India's announcement comes after foreign secretary S Jaishankar held talks with Myanmarese leaders in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday. The amount is set to be spent over a period of 5 years. Myanmar's Rakhine State has become the focus of world attention with allegation of large-scale persecution being carried out by the military forcing several thousand Rohingyas to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. "The amount of commitment to the development efforts is $25 million over five years which is an indicative figure and depends on the actual requirement and utilisation," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. The external affairs spokesman said there were several other aspects of discussions which included how India can help Myanmar restore normalcy in Rakhine State and help in the repatriation of Rohingyas who have fled. The spokesman also added that India welcomes intervention by any country which help in restoring normalcy in Myanmar. India and Myanmar had earlier on Wednesday signed an agreement on restoration of normalcy and development in Rakhine State. Meanwhile, as the Rohingya crisis brews, Myanmar said two journalists who were detained in Myanmar on December 12 have appeared in court and remanded to judicial custody. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo who were reporting from Rakhine State were detained by Myanmar authorities after accusing them of violating the Official Secrets Act which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Rohingya crisis: India announces $25 million aid to restore normalcy in Rakhine State

The United States <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/6700-rohingya-killed-in-myanmar-in-first-month-including-730-children-international-aid-group-26719">said it would like to see &quot;safe&quot; and &quot;dignified&quot;</a> return of Rohingyas back to Myanmar, insisting &quot;Rohingyas need to be treated well as they decide to return home&quot;.

However, even after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-row-elements-of-genocide-in-myanmar-says-un-chief-25936"> nearly four months, Rohingyas continue </a>to flee Myanmar in huge numbers. The UN has estimated over 6,20,000 Rohingyas have already crossed over to Bangladesh with thousands more expected to reach trekking over mountains and through forests and rice fields inundated by monsoon rain.

&quot;In terms of the repatriation plan, we&#39;d like to see the plan. We&#39;ve heard about it in concept, but one of the things that would be important to be in that plan is the voluntary, safe and dignified return,&quot; State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

Even as the efforts are underway to repatriate the Rohingyas, Myanmar authorities on Tuesday found ten bodies buried in a mass grave site outside Rakhine State, a newspaper said.

The military said it was investigating the site, reports said.

The US meanwhile pressed for &quot;voluntary repatriation&quot; of Rohingyas, saying: &quot;People have to feel like it&#39;s safe to go home. If they don&#39;t feel like it&#39;s safe to go home, it&#39;s probably not going to be safe to go home.&quot;

&quot;They have to have a dignified return. That means treating the people well as they decide to return home,&quot; the State Department spokesperson added.

&quot;We hope that the refugees will eventually be able to go home, to go home to Burma. More than 600,000 of them have been forced across the border since August alone, and now it&#39;s December,&quot; she said.

Even as the efforts are underway to repatriate the Rohingyas, Myanmar authorities on Tuesday found ten bodies buried in a mass grave site

The United States said it would like to see "safe" and "dignified" return of Rohingyas back to Myanmar, insisting "Rohingyas need to be treated well as they decide to return home". However, even after nearly four months, Rohingyas continue to flee Myanmar in huge numbers. The UN has estimated over 6,20,000 Rohingyas have already crossed over to Bangladesh with thousands more expected to reach trekking over mountains and through forests and rice fields inundated by monsoon rain. "In terms of the repatriation plan, we'd like to see the plan. We've heard about it in concept, but one of the things that would be important to be in that plan is the voluntary, safe and dignified return," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Even as the efforts are underway to repatriate the Rohingyas, Myanmar authorities on Tuesday found ten bodies buried in a mass grave site outside Rakhine State, a newspaper said. The military said it was investigating the site, reports said. The US meanwhile pressed for "voluntary repatriation" of Rohingyas, saying: "People have to feel like it's safe to go home. If they don't feel like it's safe to go home, it's probably not going to be safe to go home." "They have to have a dignified return. That means treating the people well as they decide to return home," the State Department spokesperson added. "We hope that the refugees will eventually be able to go home, to go home to Burma. More than 600,000 of them have been forced across the border since August alone, and now it's December," she said.

Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar should be voluntary and dignified: US

Few events in history have had such a telling effect on the history and trajectory of South Asian politics the way Bangladesh Liberation War has. Strategically and ideologically, it fundamentally redefined the calculations of the regional political players.

There are many tales that can be told about this dramatic historic event. For instance, the events running up to the war, the way the actual war was fought, its consequence for Indo-Pak relations or the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the basic fulcrum for all these aspects remains the Bangladesh Liberation war which can only be understood properly in the larger context of South Asian history and politics. Even after decades, the War continues to shape South Asian diplomacy.

Pakistan viewed the event (and still does) as a betrayal of the idea of two-nation theory&nbsp;which, historically, acted as the foundation of the nation-state. Pakistan continues to see Bangladesh as a product of Indian intrigue and conspiracy against Pakistan.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, sees this event as a story of liberation from Pakistani atrocities with the central rallying point being an ethnic Bengali identity.

For India, it was a significant chapter in its relations with Pakistan and how it was heavily and decisively able to prevail upon it.

With the creation of Bangladesh, the balance of power&nbsp;in the subcontinent,&nbsp;compared to Pakistan, was tilted heavily in India&rsquo;s favour.

In India, this war was also seen as a clear mandate in favour of India&rsquo;s secular ideals in South Asia as opposed to Pakistan&rsquo;s idea of being a state based on Islamic ideals. For India, the Bangladeshi liberation movement showed that religion was not an adequate criterion for forging a national identity. Since independence, this was an ideological score that India subconsciously had been looking to settle.

Even though these regional reasons formed an important aspect of the Bangladesh Liberation War,&nbsp;there was a strong current of international politics too that heavily shaped the events of the subcontinent. Srinath Raghavan shows in his book, &#39;1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh&#39; that the birth of a new South Asian country in 1971 was part choice and part chance. He attributed such international influence to the process of decolonisation, Cold War politics and the beginnings of globalisation as a phenomenon. As is the case, generally, with all important historical events, the Bangladesh Liberation War had its roots in a multitude of causes.

The Liberation War left a profound impact on Kashmir.

The Simla Agreement, signed after the war, was crucial in defining the politics of the region for a long time, primarily in terms of the Line of Control in Kashmir and the conflict in the Siachen Glacier.

Pakistan which felt humiliated at such a crushing defeat significantly changed its strategy with respect to India. It now abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir.

Even though the issue in Punjab had been resolved, the issue of Kashmir still festers. Indian relation with Bangladesh has also been marred by political complications. After the initial euphoria had died down the complicated reality started to rear its head.

It was evident that even though Bengali ethnic identity had been the rallying point of the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, the complications of religious identity as a binding force had not left either the public discourse or the Bangladeshi political scene. Strategically speaking, an unstable and indifferent Bangladesh could be a fertile ground for other external powers to influence Bangladesh, a situation which is not palatable to New Delhi.

The collective memory of a nation effects politics in very subtle ways that are not always tangible enough for a rigorous academic study, however, its importance cannot be completely undermined either. 1971 holds that power on the collective conscious of South Asia. Whether directly or indirectly, the Bangladesh Liberation War set into motion a chain of events which have had massive implications for South Asian politics, the natural centre for which is India.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Having met defeat in 1971, Pakistan abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir.

Few events in history have had such a telling effect on the history and trajectory of South Asian politics the way Bangladesh Liberation War has. Strategically and ideologically, it fundamentally redefined the calculations of the regional political players. There are many tales that can be told about this dramatic historic event. For instance, the events running up to the war, the way the actual war was fought, its consequence for Indo-Pak relations or the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the basic fulcrum for all these aspects remains the Bangladesh Liberation war which can only be understood properly in the larger context of South Asian history and politics. Even after decades, the War continues to shape South Asian diplomacy. Pakistan viewed the event (and still does) as a betrayal of the idea of two-nation theory which, historically, acted as the foundation of the nation-state. Pakistan continues to see Bangladesh as a product of Indian intrigue and conspiracy against Pakistan. Bangladesh, on the other hand, sees this event as a story of liberation from Pakistani atrocities with the central rallying point being an ethnic Bengali identity. For India, it was a significant chapter in its relations with Pakistan and how it was heavily and decisively able to prevail upon it. With the creation of Bangladesh, the balance of power in the subcontinent, compared to Pakistan, was tilted heavily in India’s favour. In India, this war was also seen as a clear mandate in favour of India’s secular ideals in South Asia as opposed to Pakistan’s idea of being a state based on Islamic ideals. For India, the Bangladeshi liberation movement showed that religion was not an adequate criterion for forging a national identity. Since independence, this was an ideological score that India subconsciously had been looking to settle. Even though these regional reasons formed an important aspect of the Bangladesh Liberation War, there was a strong current of international politics too that heavily shaped the events of the subcontinent. Srinath Raghavan shows in his book, '1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh' that the birth of a new South Asian country in 1971 was part choice and part chance. He attributed such international influence to the process of decolonisation, Cold War politics and the beginnings of globalisation as a phenomenon. As is the case, generally, with all important historical events, the Bangladesh Liberation War had its roots in a multitude of causes. The Liberation War left a profound impact on Kashmir. The Simla Agreement, signed after the war, was crucial in defining the politics of the region for a long time, primarily in terms of the Line of Control in Kashmir and the conflict in the Siachen Glacier. Pakistan which felt humiliated at such a crushing defeat significantly changed its strategy with respect to India. It now abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir. Even though the issue in Punjab had been resolved, the issue of Kashmir still festers. Indian relation with Bangladesh has also been marred by political complications. After the initial euphoria had died down the complicated reality started to rear its head. It was evident that even though Bengali ethnic identity had been the rallying point of the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, the complications of religious identity as a binding force had not left either the public discourse or the Bangladeshi political scene. Strategically speaking, an unstable and indifferent Bangladesh could be a fertile ground for other external powers to influence Bangladesh, a situation which is not palatable to New Delhi. The collective memory of a nation effects politics in very subtle ways that are not always tangible enough for a rigorous academic study, however, its importance cannot be completely undermined either. 1971 holds that power on the collective conscious of South Asia. Whether directly or indirectly, the Bangladesh Liberation War set into motion a chain of events which have had massive implications for South Asian politics, the natural centre for which is India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Pakistan can't let go Kashmir as it can't forget 1971

Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees from January, despite rights groups warning that their safety is still not assured should they return.

The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and Myanmar met in Dhaka to finalise the agreement signed on November 23 for the voluntary return of nearly three-quarters of a million stateless Rohingya living in refugee camps along the border.

A new working group would &quot;ensure commencement of repatriation within two months&quot; by developing a timetable for the verification of refugee identities and logistics of their return, Bangladesh&#39;s foreign ministry said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar&#39;s army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar's army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&quot;Now, we will start the next step of our work,&quot; Bangladesh foreign minister AH&nbsp;Mahmood Ali told reporters after the meeting.

The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar&#39;s army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

The watchdog said the deal was &quot;a public relations stunt&quot; and warned it contained no guarantee the Rohingya would be safe should they return to Myanmar&#39;s conflict-wracked Rakhine state.

An estimated 655,000 refugees from the stateless minority group have poured across the border into Bangladesh since August, fleeing what the US and United Nations have described as ethnic cleansing.

Last week the group Doctors Without Borders released a survey which found that nearly 7,000 Rohingya had been killed in the first month of the Rakhine violence.

The military has put the number in the hundreds and denied targeting civilians or committing atrocities, while Myanmar&#39;s leader Aung San Suu Kyi said major security operations stopped in early September.

Myanmar has in the past blamed fires in villages on Rohingya insurgents who on August 25 attacked security posts, killing a dozen police and triggering fierce army retribution.

Responding to international pressure, Suu Kyi&#39;s civilian government signed an agreement with Bangladesh to start the repatriation of the stateless Muslim refugees within two months.

The agreement promises the &quot;safe and voluntary return&quot; of displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh -- not just the latest 655,000 new arrivals but more than 70,000 from a separate influx in October 2016.

Testimonies gathered by AFP from displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh suggest few refugees wish to return to Myanmar, where many saw their villages burned to ashes and loved ones killed.

The persecuted minority has been the target of past pogroms in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which does not recognise the group as a genuine ethnicity and has stripped them of citizenship.

Aid groups have warned Myanmar they would boycott any new camps for Rohingya returnees, saying refugees must be allowed to settle in their own homes and not forced into ghetto-like conditions.

The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and Myanmar met in Dhaka to finalise the agreement signed on November 23 for the voluntary return of nearly 750,000 Rohingya refugees

Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees from January, despite rights groups warning that their safety is still not assured should they return. The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and Myanmar met in Dhaka to finalise the agreement signed on November 23 for the voluntary return of nearly three-quarters of a million stateless Rohingya living in refugee camps along the border. A new working group would "ensure commencement of repatriation within two months" by developing a timetable for the verification of refugee identities and logistics of their return, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said in a statement. The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar's army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh × "Now, we will start the next step of our work," Bangladesh foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali told reporters after the meeting. The reaffirmation comes a day after Human Rights Watch, citing analysis of satellite imagery, said Myanmar's army burned down dozens of Rohingya homes within days of signing the repatriation deal with Bangladesh. The watchdog said the deal was "a public relations stunt" and warned it contained no guarantee the Rohingya would be safe should they return to Myanmar's conflict-wracked Rakhine state. An estimated 655,000 refugees from the stateless minority group have poured across the border into Bangladesh since August, fleeing what the US and United Nations have described as ethnic cleansing. Last week the group Doctors Without Borders released a survey which found that nearly 7,000 Rohingya had been killed in the first month of the Rakhine violence. The military has put the number in the hundreds and denied targeting civilians or committing atrocities, while Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi said major security operations stopped in early September. Myanmar has in the past blamed fires in villages on Rohingya insurgents who on August 25 attacked security posts, killing a dozen police and triggering fierce army retribution. Responding to international pressure, Suu Kyi's civilian government signed an agreement with Bangladesh to start the repatriation of the stateless Muslim refugees within two months. The agreement promises the "safe and voluntary return" of displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh -- not just the latest 655,000 new arrivals but more than 70,000 from a separate influx in October 2016. Testimonies gathered by AFP from displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh suggest few refugees wish to return to Myanmar, where many saw their villages burned to ashes and loved ones killed. The persecuted minority has been the target of past pogroms in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which does not recognise the group as a genuine ethnicity and has stripped them of citizenship. Aid groups have warned Myanmar they would boycott any new camps for Rohingya returnees, saying refugees must be allowed to settle in their own homes and not forced into ghetto-like conditions.

Rohingya refugees to start returning to Myanmar from January: Officials

Ten people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede Monday after tens of thousands of people gathered for a funeral feast in Bangladesh`s southern city of Chittagong, police said.

Police and hospital staff said they feared the death toll could rise.

&quot;So far we can confirm the death toll of 10 men,&quot; city police chief Iqbal Bahar told AFP, adding it appeared to be an &quot;accident&quot;.

&quot;The death toll could rise as 15 people are critically injured,&quot; said another police official, Mohammad Alauddin.

Police staged baton charges to clear the crowd who packed community centres for the afternoon feast commemorating a popular former city mayor.

Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a senior politician of the ruling Awami League party and a three-term mayor of the country`s second largest city, died on Friday. He was 73.

In line with local Muslim traditions his family and the party hosted the funeral feast, &quot;Mejban&quot;, which drew more than 100,000 people to several locations in the city to eat and pray.

Police official Masum Billah said at least 20 policemen under his command had to use force to control the crowd and prevent &quot;heavier damage&quot;.

&quot;We did not want to charge batons on the mourners but we were left with no choice,&quot; he said.

TV footage showed scores of abandoned sandals and shoes littering the community centre entrance beside broken decorative clay flower pots where the stampede happened.

Family members rushed to the local hospital where the injured were taken, where relatives also wept for their dead.

&quot;We all mourn for them,&quot; Shamim Reza, a local politician, told AFP.

Chowdhury`s family and local authorities had announced they would extend financial assistance to the relatives of those who died, Reza added.

Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a senior politician of the ruling Awami League, died at 73 on Friday

Ten people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede Monday after tens of thousands of people gathered for a funeral feast in Bangladesh`s southern city of Chittagong, police said. Police and hospital staff said they feared the death toll could rise. "So far we can confirm the death toll of 10 men," city police chief Iqbal Bahar told AFP, adding it appeared to be an "accident". "The death toll could rise as 15 people are critically injured," said another police official, Mohammad Alauddin. Police staged baton charges to clear the crowd who packed community centres for the afternoon feast commemorating a popular former city mayor. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a senior politician of the ruling Awami League party and a three-term mayor of the country`s second largest city, died on Friday. He was 73. In line with local Muslim traditions his family and the party hosted the funeral feast, "Mejban", which drew more than 100,000 people to several locations in the city to eat and pray. Police official Masum Billah said at least 20 policemen under his command had to use force to control the crowd and prevent "heavier damage". "We did not want to charge batons on the mourners but we were left with no choice," he said. TV footage showed scores of abandoned sandals and shoes littering the community centre entrance beside broken decorative clay flower pots where the stampede happened. Family members rushed to the local hospital where the injured were taken, where relatives also wept for their dead. "We all mourn for them," Shamim Reza, a local politician, told AFP. Chowdhury`s family and local authorities had announced they would extend financial assistance to the relatives of those who died, Reza added.

10 killed in stampede at Bangladesh politician's funeral

When 16th December comes every year, fairly widespread commemoration almost in the form of celebration or jubilation can be observed in India.&nbsp;Some celebrate what they think was a decisive Indian military victory over their eternal adversary Pakistan. Some gleefully celebrate the dismemberment of Pakistan in the hands of India in that narrative of glory. 16th December 1971 offers Indians a sense of pride as a big and powerful nation of the East especially in the backdrop of military humiliation in the hands of Chinese and stalemate with Pakistan in the previous occasions. The former defense minister of the current BJP government Manohar Parikkar openly boasted that, the way India had dismembered Pakistan and created Bangladesh the same thing they may repeat with Pakistan in Baluchistan.

Bangladeshis, while acknowledging India&rsquo;s help, are utterly infuriated at how the nationalist narrative misses the unprecedented political mobilisation, leading up to the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. General Ayub Khan&rsquo;s rule in the sixties made East Bengal or East Pakistan literally a colony of its west wing with the much bigger chunk of the then national budgetary allotment going to the west wing which had the smaller chunk of the population. Most of the export earnings of Pakistan were from the east wing where 56% of pre-1971 Pakistan&rsquo;s population lived.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Awami League party, seeing this neo-colonisation and extraction of East Bengal, proposed a six-point loose confederation formula for Pakistan and that found incredible traction in the polity of East Bengal (East Pakistan). Awami League along with the parties in the west wing eventually brought down Ayub Khan&rsquo;s rule in 1969&rsquo;s through the mass uprising.

An election was held under the new military ruler from the west wing of Pakistan&nbsp;in late 1970, and the Awami League party of East Bengal not only swept the eastern wing but also achieved a majority in the national parliament on its own with all its seats from the east. The regime and the major political party of the West Pakistan, the People&rsquo;s Party (PPP) didn&rsquo;t anticipate such a widespread and overwhelming support for&nbsp;Awami League. They rather expected a fractured mandate.

Negotiation began in early 1971. By then the Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became a de facto leader with provincial officials and even judges taking orders, instructions and guidance from him alongside the general public. Chief justice of East Pakistan high court refused to swear in General Tikka Khan as governor and before that stories were making rounds in Dhaka that the cook of the governor&rsquo;s house refused to cook for the governor until Sheikh Mujib permitted him to do so.

Pakistan Army started their crackdown on 25th March night, but even before that many in the Bengali army, border guard and police&nbsp;units revolted against the Pakistan government. In the subsequent months about 10 million East Bengali refugees, one-seventh of the population, crossed over to India.&nbsp;

Exile government was formed in India. Under the leadership of the East Bengal Regiment, mass armed guerrilla warfare started against Pakistani forces and establishment in East Bengal. Some predicted a long Vietnam like struggle towards freedom, whereas others, including the majority members of the exile Bangladesh government in India, wanted Indian military intervention to make the independence faster. The later happened eventually. But the political momentum for freedom in East Bengal was so massive and overwhelming that even if the Indians didn&rsquo;t intervene militarily in December 1971 there was no going back for Bangladeshi people and leadership in the Pakistani fold. There would have been a protracted war of attrition between the Bangladeshi freedom fighters, supported by the masses, and the isolated Pakistani occupiers, resulting in another type of humiliating loss for the latter.

Most Bangladeshis, other than some anti-Indian quarters, wholeheartedly admit Indian help and sacrifice of Indian soldier&rsquo;s in liberating Bangladesh in late 1971 and the present government has honoured Indian war heroes. In 1971, the&nbsp;success of the Indian army in reaching Dhaka so fast and forcing Pakistan&#39;s eastern army to surrender is remarkable.

However, there are important details of it that many often tend to ignore, and which were critical factors in the success of Indian army&rsquo;s tactical manoeuvres and strategic advantages. These are support of the friendly and welcoming Bangladeshi masses and key information and logistic support of Bangladeshi freedom fighters.

Nizai adopted a border fortress military tactic to hold Indian army in the periphery rather than gradual withdrawal tactic to the&nbsp;center of gravity which is Dhaka basin, and fight the decisive battle there.

Indian army formations, initially, failed to make a breakthrough in the Pakistani defences in the borders and in some cases suffered heavy causalities. It was Bangladeshi freedom fighters and common people who showed them ways to go around the Pakistani positions to the enemy&rsquo;s rear. This led to the ultimate success of India-Bangladesh joint forces to reach Dhaka faster and forced Niazi to surrender, before the arrival of American and Chinese help. Speed was key which was only achieved by this tactic and it was not in the minds of Indian military planner when they issued campaign orders and operational plans.

&nbsp;People cheered Indian army and helped them in whatever way they could. In Tangail in north-central Bangladesh villagers prepared food for Indian paratroopers whose logistics was in disarray. In Raipura of Comilla local Awami League leaders, workers and villagers made big country rafts to ferry Indian tanks across mighty Meghna river towards Dhaka. These are just one or two examples of numerous such help of immense operational importance.

There is no doubt that India&nbsp;helped and, especially, the statesmanship of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was vital for the birth of Bangladesh in just nine months. But, in reality, it&rsquo;s Bangladesh that was the locus of affairs in its emergence as an independent nation-not India.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

There is no doubt that Indian help and especially the statesmanship of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were vital for the birth of Bangladesh in just nine months. But, in reality, it?s Bangladesh that was the locus of affairs in its emergence as an independent nation-not India.

When 16th December comes every year, fairly widespread commemoration almost in the form of celebration or jubilation can be observed in India. Some celebrate what they think was a decisive Indian military victory over their eternal adversary Pakistan. Some gleefully celebrate the dismemberment of Pakistan in the hands of India in that narrative of glory. 16th December 1971 offers Indians a sense of pride as a big and powerful nation of the East especially in the backdrop of military humiliation in the hands of Chinese and stalemate with Pakistan in the previous occasions. The former defense minister of the current BJP government Manohar Parikkar openly boasted that, the way India had dismembered Pakistan and created Bangladesh the same thing they may repeat with Pakistan in Baluchistan. Bangladeshis, while acknowledging India’s help, are utterly infuriated at how the nationalist narrative misses the unprecedented political mobilisation, leading up to the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. General Ayub Khan’s rule in the sixties made East Bengal or East Pakistan literally a colony of its west wing with the much bigger chunk of the then national budgetary allotment going to the west wing which had the smaller chunk of the population. Most of the export earnings of Pakistan were from the east wing where 56% of pre-1971 Pakistan’s population lived. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Awami League party, seeing this neo-colonisation and extraction of East Bengal, proposed a six-point loose confederation formula for Pakistan and that found incredible traction in the polity of East Bengal (East Pakistan). Awami League along with the parties in the west wing eventually brought down Ayub Khan’s rule in 1969’s through the mass uprising. An election was held under the new military ruler from the west wing of Pakistan in late 1970, and the Awami League party of East Bengal not only swept the eastern wing but also achieved a majority in the national parliament on its own with all its seats from the east. The regime and the major political party of the West Pakistan, the People’s Party (PPP) didn’t anticipate such a widespread and overwhelming support for Awami League. They rather expected a fractured mandate. Negotiation began in early 1971. By then the Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became a de facto leader with provincial officials and even judges taking orders, instructions and guidance from him alongside the general public. Chief justice of East Pakistan high court refused to swear in General Tikka Khan as governor and before that stories were making rounds in Dhaka that the cook of the governor’s house refused to cook for the governor until Sheikh Mujib permitted him to do so. Pakistan Army started their crackdown on 25th March night, but even before that many in the Bengali army, border guard and police units revolted against the Pakistan government. In the subsequent months about 10 million East Bengali refugees, one-seventh of the population, crossed over to India. Exile government was formed in India. Under the leadership of the East Bengal Regiment, mass armed guerrilla warfare started against Pakistani forces and establishment in East Bengal. Some predicted a long Vietnam like struggle towards freedom, whereas others, including the majority members of the exile Bangladesh government in India, wanted Indian military intervention to make the independence faster. The later happened eventually. But the political momentum for freedom in East Bengal was so massive and overwhelming that even if the Indians didn’t intervene militarily in December 1971 there was no going back for Bangladeshi people and leadership in the Pakistani fold. There would have been a protracted war of attrition between the Bangladeshi freedom fighters, supported by the masses, and the isolated Pakistani occupiers, resulting in another type of humiliating loss for the latter. Most Bangladeshis, other than some anti-Indian quarters, wholeheartedly admit Indian help and sacrifice of Indian soldier’s in liberating Bangladesh in late 1971 and the present government has honoured Indian war heroes. In 1971, the success of the Indian army in reaching Dhaka so fast and forcing Pakistan's eastern army to surrender is remarkable. However, there are important details of it that many often tend to ignore, and which were critical factors in the success of Indian army’s tactical manoeuvres and strategic advantages. These are support of the friendly and welcoming Bangladeshi masses and key information and logistic support of Bangladeshi freedom fighters. Nizai adopted a border fortress military tactic to hold Indian army in the periphery rather than gradual withdrawal tactic to the center of gravity which is Dhaka basin, and fight the decisive battle there. Indian army formations, initially, failed to make a breakthrough in the Pakistani defences in the borders and in some cases suffered heavy causalities. It was Bangladeshi freedom fighters and common people who showed them ways to go around the Pakistani positions to the enemy’s rear. This led to the ultimate success of India-Bangladesh joint forces to reach Dhaka faster and forced Niazi to surrender, before the arrival of American and Chinese help. Speed was key which was only achieved by this tactic and it was not in the minds of Indian military planner when they issued campaign orders and operational plans. People cheered Indian army and helped them in whatever way they could. In Tangail in north-central Bangladesh villagers prepared food for Indian paratroopers whose logistics was in disarray. In Raipura of Comilla local Awami League leaders, workers and villagers made big country rafts to ferry Indian tanks across mighty Meghna river towards Dhaka. These are just one or two examples of numerous such help of immense operational importance. There is no doubt that India helped and, especially, the statesmanship of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was vital for the birth of Bangladesh in just nine months. But, in reality, it’s Bangladesh that was the locus of affairs in its emergence as an independent nation-not India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Popular mobilisation that created Bangladesh in 1971

On Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Defence Minister along with &nbsp;Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa paid tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Saturday.

Vijay Diwas was also celebrated in Mumbai with Army officers and Jawans at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba&nbsp;paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/vijay%20diwas%202-20171216041249.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Army officers and soldiers at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba. (ANI)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/vijay%20diwas-20171216041417.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Army officers and soldiers at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba. (ANI)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/vijay%203-20171216041829.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pays tribute to the soldiers who died in the 1971 war against Pakistan. (ANI)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/vijay%204-20171216041846.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi. (ANI)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The day is important not only for India but also Bangladesh. Both countries celebrate the victory of their soldiers as &quot;Vijay Diwas&quot; or Victory Day.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Salute to indomitable courage of our soldiers on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> <a href="https://t.co/toC0d4laZw">pic.twitter.com/toC0d4laZw</a>
&mdash; Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/941865668177096704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a>, I salute all the martyrs &amp; heroes who fought for the nation and let us to victory in 1971 war. <a href="https://t.co/yZd8pqCv58">pic.twitter.com/yZd8pqCv58</a>
&mdash; Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/941874014024167424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
16 Dec 1971, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> 
This day India created a NEW <a href="https://t.co/ndoonlzUoR">https://t.co/ndoonlzUoR</a> we remember the sacrifices &amp; super success of our brothers in uniform. 
Tribute &amp; Salute????Jai Hind 
93000 Pakis surrendered in 1 go..biggest ever surrender in history of world????<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/jNVca8PE9u">pic.twitter.com/jNVca8PE9u</a>
&mdash; Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MajorPoonia/status/941857624999395328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Remembering on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> the valour, commitment and determination of our soldiers, who bravely fought for the liberation of Bangladesh in the 1971 War. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/h70vquxuz0">pic.twitter.com/h70vquxuz0</a>
&mdash; Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VasundharaBJP/status/941863393077616641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a>, we salute the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of the martyrs of 1971 War. 
 
Let each one of us remember the unfathomable valour of our soldiers, who defend India&rsquo;s freedom every day.
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/941874996451852289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Salutations To Indian Armed Forces that forced Lt. Gen Niazi surrender unconditionally to Lt. Gen Aurora along with over 93,000 Pakistani troops in 1971. This is the largest surrender by an army since World War II. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/TDybwO0D7X">pic.twitter.com/TDybwO0D7X</a>
&mdash; Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) <a href="https://twitter.com/boxervijender/status/941874522243944448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas</a> is a day which marks a glorious chapter in India&#39;s history. My Salutations to Indian armed forces on this day n humble tributes to martyrs who laid down their lives during 1971 war between India n Pakistan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIJAYDIWAS17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIJAYDIWAS17</a> <a href="https://t.co/NCy03hBhtq">pic.twitter.com/NCy03hBhtq</a>
&mdash; Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/941863573705302017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

The country is celebrating, Vijay Diwas, the?victory of?Indian army?who fought the war against Pakistan in 1971 and liberated Bangladesh

On Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in 1971 Indo-Pak war. Defence Minister along with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa paid tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Saturday. Vijay Diwas was also celebrated in Mumbai with Army officers and Jawans at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. Army officers and soldiers at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba. (ANI) × Army officers and soldiers at Army Garrison Ground in Colaba. (ANI) × Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pays tribute to the soldiers who died in the 1971 war against Pakistan. (ANI) × Soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi. (ANI) × The day is important not only for India but also Bangladesh. Both countries celebrate the victory of their soldiers as "Vijay Diwas" or Victory Day. Salute to indomitable courage of our soldiers on #VijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/toC0d4laZw — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 16, 2017 × On #VijayDiwas, I salute all the martyrs & heroes who fought for the nation and let us to victory in 1971 war. pic.twitter.com/yZd8pqCv58 — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) December 16, 2017 × 16 Dec 1971, #VijayDiwas This day India created a NEW https://t.co/ndoonlzUoR we remember the sacrifices & super success of our brothers in uniform. Tribute & Salute????Jai Hind 93000 Pakis surrendered in 1 go..biggest ever surrender in history of world????@adgpi pic.twitter.com/jNVca8PE9u — Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) December 16, 2017 × Remembering on #VijayDiwas the valour, commitment and determination of our soldiers, who bravely fought for the liberation of Bangladesh in the 1971 War. #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/h70vquxuz0 — Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) December 16, 2017 × On #VijayDiwas, we salute the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of the martyrs of 1971 War. Let each one of us remember the unfathomable valour of our soldiers, who defend India’s freedom every day. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 16, 2017 × Salutations To Indian Armed Forces that forced Lt. Gen Niazi surrender unconditionally to Lt. Gen Aurora along with over 93,000 Pakistani troops in 1971. This is the largest surrender by an army since World War II. #VijayDiwas #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/TDybwO0D7X — Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) December 16, 2017 × #VijayDiwas is a day which marks a glorious chapter in India's history. My Salutations to Indian armed forces on this day n humble tributes to martyrs who laid down their lives during 1971 war between India n Pakistan.#VIJAYDIWAS17 pic.twitter.com/NCy03hBhtq — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 16, 2017 ×

Defence minister pays tribute to soldiers on Vijay Diwas

A second generation Defence Officer, Commander (later Commodore) Babru Bhan Yadav was from Utter Pradesh and was commissioned into Indian Navy in 1951. He attended training in UK and Russia over various equipment and ships.

During the 1971 War, he was commanding Indian Navy&rsquo;s 25th Missile Boat Squadron which consisted of three Vidyut Class Missile Boats (INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer), two Anti-Submarine Corvettes (INS Kiltan and INS Katchali) and a tanker ship called INS Poshak.

Since Karachi was the headquarters of Pakistan Navy and it was essential to target this to achieve a naval supremacy over our neighbour. The then Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral SM Nanda and the Western Fleet Commander Vice Admiral GK Hiranandani decided to give this task to Commander Babru Bhan Yadav whose missile ships were armed with SSN-2B Styx Missiles with a range of up to 40 Kms. Indian Navy launched two back to back operations called Operation Trident and Operation Python to destroy Karachi Naval Facilities.

Operation Trident

In the daytime of 4th December, the strike group reached 250 Nautical Miles away from Karachi port and stayed there to avoid any kind of surveillance by Pak Air Force. Since Pakistani Aircrafts did not have night attack capabilities, it was decided to launch the attack from dusk to dawn. On the Night of 4/5 December 1971, the strike group moved and fired its first missile from a close distance.

Commander of PNS Khaibar at Karachi port saw some light in the sky and thought of it as some flair fired from a boat in distress but as the fireball kept coming closer to him, he realised what it is. The first missile hit PNS Khaibar&rsquo;s boiler room and soon after the second missile also hit him, sinking the ship along with 222 sailors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-indian-armys-out-of-the-box-thinking-won-1971-war-26805">Opinion: Indian Army&#39;s out of the box thinking won 1971 war</a>

Another minesweeper ship called PNS Muhafiz and a large cargo ship of US which was carrying ammunition for Pakistani Forces (MV Challenger) were also hit and sunk. The Operation was not over yet. Another Pakistani ship PNS Shah Jahan was also hit and was damaged beyond repair. Karachi part had a large oil storage and one missile from INS Veer hit this target too but could not damage this completely.

Operation Python

It was essential for India to destroy the oil storage facilities at Karachi port but the problem was that Pakistan Navy and Air Force had enhanced the security of the Karachi port and were totally waiting in pursuit of Indian Forces, anticipating that they will attack again. Commander BB Yadav decided to send a small and highly manoeuvrable force to target this. On the night of 8/9 December 1971, a small strike group with a single missile boat and two multipurpose ships with just 4 Styx missiles moved towards Karachi Port in rough seas.

Because of the increased surveillance of the Pak Navy, the group was detected by the radars at Karachi port and now it had very less time to react. Anticipating the situation, Commander BB Yadav ordered INS Vinash to fire all its missiles immediately and return to safety. Out of the four missiles fired by INS Vinash, one hit the oil storage facilities which burned with a loud explosion.

The explosion took the nearby ammunition depot in its coverage and a Diwali like situation started at Karachi port with explosions audible even at 10 Nautical Miles. The second missile hit a Panama based fuel tanker and sunk it. The third one hit another Pakistan Navy ship called PNS Dacca and damaged it beyond repair and fourth one hit and sank a merchant vessel, MV Harmattan which was carrying war stores for Pakistan forces.

Because of these two operations, nearly 50 per cent of the fuel reserves of Karachi Zone and 70&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of ammunition were destroyed. It caused a heavy blow on Pakistan Economy because the resultant loss was almost US $ 3 Billion.

Indian Navy Celebrates its Navy day on 4th December in the memory of Operation Trident and Python as well to commemorate the leader of the operation- Commander Babru Bhan Yadav, Mahavir Chakra. Because of him, 25th Missile Boat Squadron of Indian Navy is still called as &ldquo;The Killer Squadron&rdquo;.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Commander Babru Bhan Yadav, Mahavir Chakra led India's attack on the Karachi port, which destroyed nearly 50 per cent of the fuel reserves of Karachi Zone and 70?per cent?of ammunition.

A second generation Defence Officer, Commander (later Commodore) Babru Bhan Yadav was from Utter Pradesh and was commissioned into Indian Navy in 1951. He attended training in UK and Russia over various equipment and ships. During the 1971 War, he was commanding Indian Navy’s 25th Missile Boat Squadron which consisted of three Vidyut Class Missile Boats (INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer), two Anti-Submarine Corvettes (INS Kiltan and INS Katchali) and a tanker ship called INS Poshak. Since Karachi was the headquarters of Pakistan Navy and it was essential to target this to achieve a naval supremacy over our neighbour. The then Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral SM Nanda and the Western Fleet Commander Vice Admiral GK Hiranandani decided to give this task to Commander Babru Bhan Yadav whose missile ships were armed with SSN-2B Styx Missiles with a range of up to 40 Kms. Indian Navy launched two back to back operations called Operation Trident and Operation Python to destroy Karachi Naval Facilities. Operation Trident In the daytime of 4th December, the strike group reached 250 Nautical Miles away from Karachi port and stayed there to avoid any kind of surveillance by Pak Air Force. Since Pakistani Aircrafts did not have night attack capabilities, it was decided to launch the attack from dusk to dawn. On the Night of 4/5 December 1971, the strike group moved and fired its first missile from a close distance. Commander of PNS Khaibar at Karachi port saw some light in the sky and thought of it as some flair fired from a boat in distress but as the fireball kept coming closer to him, he realised what it is. The first missile hit PNS Khaibar’s boiler room and soon after the second missile also hit him, sinking the ship along with 222 sailors. Also read: Opinion: Indian Army's out of the box thinking won 1971 war Another minesweeper ship called PNS Muhafiz and a large cargo ship of US which was carrying ammunition for Pakistani Forces (MV Challenger) were also hit and sunk. The Operation was not over yet. Another Pakistani ship PNS Shah Jahan was also hit and was damaged beyond repair. Karachi part had a large oil storage and one missile from INS Veer hit this target too but could not damage this completely. Operation Python It was essential for India to destroy the oil storage facilities at Karachi port but the problem was that Pakistan Navy and Air Force had enhanced the security of the Karachi port and were totally waiting in pursuit of Indian Forces, anticipating that they will attack again. Commander BB Yadav decided to send a small and highly manoeuvrable force to target this. On the night of 8/9 December 1971, a small strike group with a single missile boat and two multipurpose ships with just 4 Styx missiles moved towards Karachi Port in rough seas. Because of the increased surveillance of the Pak Navy, the group was detected by the radars at Karachi port and now it had very less time to react. Anticipating the situation, Commander BB Yadav ordered INS Vinash to fire all its missiles immediately and return to safety. Out of the four missiles fired by INS Vinash, one hit the oil storage facilities which burned with a loud explosion. The explosion took the nearby ammunition depot in its coverage and a Diwali like situation started at Karachi port with explosions audible even at 10 Nautical Miles. The second missile hit a Panama based fuel tanker and sunk it. The third one hit another Pakistan Navy ship called PNS Dacca and damaged it beyond repair and fourth one hit and sank a merchant vessel, MV Harmattan which was carrying war stores for Pakistan forces. Because of these two operations, nearly 50 per cent of the fuel reserves of Karachi Zone and 70 per cent of ammunition were destroyed. It caused a heavy blow on Pakistan Economy because the resultant loss was almost US $ 3 Billion. Indian Navy Celebrates its Navy day on 4th December in the memory of Operation Trident and Python as well to commemorate the leader of the operation- Commander Babru Bhan Yadav, Mahavir Chakra. Because of him, 25th Missile Boat Squadron of Indian Navy is still called as “The Killer Squadron”. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How the fall of Karachi port was brought by India's 'Killer Squadron' in 1971

The history of Bangladesh&#39;s liberation from Pakistan is inextricably entwined with outstanding acts of bravery committed by Indian soldiers. Artificially separated by the British during the Partition, the brave warriors of India and Bangladesh&nbsp;fought shoulder to shoulder to wrest independence from an oppressive regime. The anecdotes of gallantry are endless. But, perhaps, some acts of heroism were more decisive than the others. For instance, without the out of box thinking of&nbsp;Lt Gen Sagat Singh that expedited the capture of Dacca, the capital of erstwhile East Pakistan,&nbsp; Lt General AAK Niazi would have held back surrendering to India.&nbsp;Lt Gen Sagat Singh&#39;s decisive action saved lives of many soldiers and made the birth of Bangladesh possible.

Lt Gen Sagat Singh was a paratrooper and General Officer Commanding of IV Corps of Indian Army. He also has the distinction to command the coveted 50 (independent) Parachute Brigade of Indian Army and liberate Goa in 1961.

When the war broke out, IV corps went into action in the Agartala sector. In the initial advances, Indian Army and Muktibahini secured all the routes to Meghna River. The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>General Singh got this unique idea of airlifting his troops over Meghna River which proved to be a turning point in the liberation of Bangladesh.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=General Singh got this unique idea of airlifting his troops over Meghna River which proved to be a turning point in the liberation of Bangladesh." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh, however, realised his formation would be joining the race to Dacca. Due to the resistance offered by the Pakistani army, 2 Corps which was supposed to reach and isolate Dacca was held up at Kushtia and did not make it to Dacca. So, General Sagat Singh decided that his forces should move to Dacca.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ORWhEL4VPJU" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

However, the Pakistan Army had destroyed the entire bridge and it would require a significant amount of time for Army Engineers to build a new bridge. General Singh got this unique idea of airlifting his troops over Meghna River which proved to be a turning point in the liberation of Bangladesh.

Indian Air Force came into the action under the leadership of Group Captain Chandan Singh, using the Soviet-made Mi-4 helicopters to airlift troops in many waves. Through the night of 9 December, the IAF air-lifted the entire 311 Brigade. The first troops, numbering around six hundred were landed through the night of the 9th, immediately contacting Pakistani troops north of Raipura.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/1200px-mi-4-jh01-20171215070730.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Captain Chandan Singh used MI-4 Helicopters to airlift Indian troops in many waves. (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

They, however, held their positions, with the IAF flying in reinforcements. Over the next 36 hours, over 110 sorties were flown. The Mi-4, which normally carried 14 troops, carried as many as 23 on board. Simultaneous to this operation, 73rd Brigade moved across Meghna on boats and riverine crafts.

After the first consolidation in Raipura, the forces were lifted again to Narshingdi, and after Capturing Narshingdi, brave Indian forces occupied towns of Daudkandi and Baider Bazar on 14th and 15th December 1971 respectively. It was an idea full of risks which paid rich dividends and by 15th of December, 1971 the entire garrison town of Dacca was surrounded by Indian Forces which compelled Lt General AAK Niazi to accept the surrender request.

It is this out of box thinking - the decision of using the airforce to uplift the Indian Army rather than trying to cross the mighty Meghana river proved to be the most decisive factor of the 1971 War.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Lt General Sagat Singh's decision of using the airforce to uplift the Indian Army rather than trying to cross the mighty Meghana river proved to be the most decisive factor of the 1971 War.

The history of Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan is inextricably entwined with outstanding acts of bravery committed by Indian soldiers. Artificially separated by the British during the Partition, the brave warriors of India and Bangladesh fought shoulder to shoulder to wrest independence from an oppressive regime. The anecdotes of gallantry are endless. But, perhaps, some acts of heroism were more decisive than the others. For instance, without the out of box thinking of Lt Gen Sagat Singh that expedited the capture of Dacca, the capital of erstwhile East Pakistan, Lt General AAK Niazi would have held back surrendering to India. Lt Gen Sagat Singh's decisive action saved lives of many soldiers and made the birth of Bangladesh possible. Lt Gen Sagat Singh was a paratrooper and General Officer Commanding of IV Corps of Indian Army. He also has the distinction to command the coveted 50 (independent) Parachute Brigade of Indian Army and liberate Goa in 1961. When the war broke out, IV corps went into action in the Agartala sector. In the initial advances, Indian Army and Muktibahini secured all the routes to Meghna River. The only way across the river was over the Ashuganj Bridge. General Singh got this unique idea of airlifting his troops over Meghna River which proved to be a turning point in the liberation of Bangladesh. × Ashuganj Bridge was the only bridge that spanned the huge Meghna River which at its narrowest point was more than 4000 yards wide. With his troops at Ashuganj, Singh, however, realised his formation would be joining the race to Dacca. Due to the resistance offered by the Pakistani army, 2 Corps which was supposed to reach and isolate Dacca was held up at Kushtia and did not make it to Dacca. So, General Sagat Singh decided that his forces should move to Dacca. × However, the Pakistan Army had destroyed the entire bridge and it would require a significant amount of time for Army Engineers to build a new bridge. General Singh got this unique idea of airlifting his troops over Meghna River which proved to be a turning point in the liberation of Bangladesh. Indian Air Force came into the action under the leadership of Group Captain Chandan Singh, using the Soviet-made Mi-4 helicopters to airlift troops in many waves. Through the night of 9 December, the IAF air-lifted the entire 311 Brigade. The first troops, numbering around six hundred were landed through the night of the 9th, immediately contacting Pakistani troops north of Raipura. Captain Chandan Singh used MI-4 Helicopters to airlift Indian troops in many waves. (Others) × They, however, held their positions, with the IAF flying in reinforcements. Over the next 36 hours, over 110 sorties were flown. The Mi-4, which normally carried 14 troops, carried as many as 23 on board. Simultaneous to this operation, 73rd Brigade moved across Meghna on boats and riverine crafts. After the first consolidation in Raipura, the forces were lifted again to Narshingdi, and after Capturing Narshingdi, brave Indian forces occupied towns of Daudkandi and Baider Bazar on 14th and 15th December 1971 respectively. It was an idea full of risks which paid rich dividends and by 15th of December, 1971 the entire garrison town of Dacca was surrounded by Indian Forces which compelled Lt General AAK Niazi to accept the surrender request. It is this out of box thinking - the decision of using the airforce to uplift the Indian Army rather than trying to cross the mighty Meghana river proved to be the most decisive factor of the 1971 War. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Indian Army's out of the box thinking won 1971 war

bangladesh-0

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

bangladesh 0