The move has got international attention as the Bhasan Char island is considered vulnerable to tides and monsoonal river flows.

WION Dispatch: Bangladesh is sending Rohingya to their new home Bhasan Char island

Located 21 miles from the mainland, the island surfaced only 20 years ago and was never inhabited.

Bangladesh relocating Rohingya refugees to isolated island

Bangladesh has many underutilised maritime projects. There is a long list of stalled maritime projects. Recently Bangladesh also rejected India's offer to develop gas pipeline. Watch this report

WION Dispatch: Bangladesh unable to utilise its vast marine resources

In a shocking display of intolerance and bigotry, a group of radical Islamists attacked over 10 Hindu families on Sunday at Korbanpur village under Muradnagar Upazila in the Comilla district of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: Muslim mob attacks, burn homes of hindus over a FB post

Protesters took to Dhaka's streets on Wednesday to demand action on rising rape cases in Bangladesh, saying a new law that expanded the use of the death penalty was not enough to bring about real change.

Women's rights campaigners are demanding a root and branch reform of the legal system and more education to address what they say is a rising incidence of violence against women in Bangladesh.

Earlier this month, the government changed the law to make rape committed by a single person punishable by death following protests triggered by an online video showing a group of men sexually assaulting a woman.

Previously, the death penalty could only be applied to gang rape, or rape that resulted in the victim's death.

"We didn't protest to change the law or to look for punishments. We protested to change this culture where women and girls are treated unfairly," said Shireen Huq, founder of Naripokkho, a women's rights group.

"To change this, we need to attack the root. We need to include sex education in curriculums. We also need to educate families so that they stop blaming girls for this," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Government ministers could not immediately be reached for comment. Law Minister Anisul Huq told reporters last week that he was confident the change in the law would lead to a drop in rapes.

Bangladesh has seen a surge in reported sexual crimes in recent years, but convictions remain rare at just 3% of cases.

Nearly 1,000 sexual crimes were reported between January and September, including more than 200 gang rapes, according to human rights group Ain-o-Salish Kendra.

Women's rights campaigners say the true figure is likely much higher as such crimes often go unreported.

Among the proposals put forward by the Rape Law Reform Coalition of 17 human rights groups are more options for sentencing convicted rapists.

At the moment, the only options are life imprisonment or death, which campaigners said could make judges reluctant to convict.

It also wants the government to review the use of character evidence in rape cases, which it says provides scope for blaming the victim.

Campaigners have also urged the government to ensure rape trials are completed within 180 days.

"There are cases which have been running for 12 years. We need to improve on this," said Maleka Banu, a spokeswoman for Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a women's rights group.

Activist Shrobona Shafique was among the about 150 protesters who turned out on Wednesday, following a larger demonstration over the weekend that was attacked by counter-demonstrators.

"We raised our voice against the attack of the anti-rape rally. We also reaffirmed that we don't think death sentence is the solution," she said. "We need systemic changes."

Protesters took to Dhaka's streets on Wednesday to demand action on rising rape cases in Bangladesh, saying a new law that expanded the use of the death penalty was not enough to bring about real change.

Protesters took to Dhaka's streets on Wednesday to demand action on rising rape cases in Bangladesh, saying a new law that expanded the use of the death penalty was not enough to bring about real change. Women's rights campaigners are demanding a root and branch reform of the legal system and more education to address what they say is a rising incidence of violence against women in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, the government changed the law to make rape committed by a single person punishable by death following protests triggered by an online video showing a group of men sexually assaulting a woman. Previously, the death penalty could only be applied to gang rape, or rape that resulted in the victim's death. "We didn't protest to change the law or to look for punishments. We protested to change this culture where women and girls are treated unfairly," said Shireen Huq, founder of Naripokkho, a women's rights group. "To change this, we need to attack the root. We need to include sex education in curriculums. We also need to educate families so that they stop blaming girls for this," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Government ministers could not immediately be reached for comment. Law Minister Anisul Huq told reporters last week that he was confident the change in the law would lead to a drop in rapes. Bangladesh has seen a surge in reported sexual crimes in recent years, but convictions remain rare at just 3% of cases. Nearly 1,000 sexual crimes were reported between January and September, including more than 200 gang rapes, according to human rights group Ain-o-Salish Kendra. Women's rights campaigners say the true figure is likely much higher as such crimes often go unreported. Among the proposals put forward by the Rape Law Reform Coalition of 17 human rights groups are more options for sentencing convicted rapists. At the moment, the only options are life imprisonment or death, which campaigners said could make judges reluctant to convict. It also wants the government to review the use of character evidence in rape cases, which it says provides scope for blaming the victim. Campaigners have also urged the government to ensure rape trials are completed within 180 days. "There are cases which have been running for 12 years. We need to improve on this," said Maleka Banu, a spokeswoman for Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a women's rights group. Activist Shrobona Shafique was among the about 150 protesters who turned out on Wednesday, following a larger demonstration over the weekend that was attacked by counter-demonstrators. "We raised our voice against the attack of the anti-rape rally. We also reaffirmed that we don't think death sentence is the solution," she said. "We need systemic changes."

Bangladeshi protestors say death penalty not the answer to rise in rape

Hundreds of locals in Dhaka staged a protest rally from Dhaka to Noakhali to raise their voices against the rising number of rape incidents in the country.

Protests against rape & violence flare up in Bangladesh

Hundreds of locals in Dhaka staged a protest rally for the second day to raise their voices against the rising number of rape incidents in the country. Watch report.

Bangladesh rape protest: Protesters take part in second-day rally

About 45% of the residents of Dhaka have developed COVID-19 antibodies, with the rate climbing to 74% among slum-dwellers. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Half of Dhaka's residents carry antibodies

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video. The video showed a group of men sexually assaulting a woman. Currently, the maximum punishment for rape is life imprisonment.

A proposal for an urgent amendment to current rape legislation is being prepared. The review is to be submitted on Monday.

"We need to ensure that those who are proven guilty get the punishment they deserve... this is being drafted on behalf of the prime minister's instructions," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Women's rights activist are demanding stricter implementation of law instead of solely making them stricter.

More than 950 women were raped in Bangladesh in the first nine months of this year, according to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra. That was similar to the number of rapes reported during the same period last year, but up from 2018.

Campaigners, however, say the real number is much higher, with many women reluctant to report sexual assaults.

Hundreds of Bangladeshis took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities this week to protest, demanding safe spaces for women and the arrest of rapists after the video circulated on social media.

An investigation by the country's National Human Rights Commission - an autonomous state body - found that the woman in the video had been threatened and raped repeatedly by one of the men in the group over the last year.

Police have arrested at least 10 suspects in connection with the video, said Alamgir Hossain, police superintendent in Noakhali, the southeastern city where the footage was shot.

Two weeks earlier, the alleged gang rape of a woman in a student hostel in the northeastern city of Sylhet sparked similar street protests and calls for the government to take steps to tackle sexual violence.

"The Bangladesh government needs to listen to women," said Meenakshi Ganguly, from Human Rights Watch, on Friday. "The government should ensure that all sexual assault survivors are treated with dignity."

Salma Ali, president of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, said tougher penalties would not be enough.

"Focusing solely on capital punishment won't work... Our Women and Children Repression Prevention tribunals are overburdened. The number of courts need to increase," she said.

"We also need to focus on victim protection. Several other aspects related to this law need to be updated," she added.

(With Reuters inputs)

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video.

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video. The video showed a group of men sexually assaulting a woman. Currently, the maximum punishment for rape is life imprisonment. A proposal for an urgent amendment to current rape legislation is being prepared. The review is to be submitted on Monday. "We need to ensure that those who are proven guilty get the punishment they deserve... this is being drafted on behalf of the prime minister's instructions," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Women's rights activist are demanding stricter implementation of law instead of solely making them stricter. More than 950 women were raped in Bangladesh in the first nine months of this year, according to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra. That was similar to the number of rapes reported during the same period last year, but up from 2018. Campaigners, however, say the real number is much higher, with many women reluctant to report sexual assaults. Hundreds of Bangladeshis took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities this week to protest, demanding safe spaces for women and the arrest of rapists after the video circulated on social media. An investigation by the country's National Human Rights Commission - an autonomous state body - found that the woman in the video had been threatened and raped repeatedly by one of the men in the group over the last year. Police have arrested at least 10 suspects in connection with the video, said Alamgir Hossain, police superintendent in Noakhali, the southeastern city where the footage was shot. Two weeks earlier, the alleged gang rape of a woman in a student hostel in the northeastern city of Sylhet sparked similar street protests and calls for the government to take steps to tackle sexual violence. "The Bangladesh government needs to listen to women," said Meenakshi Ganguly, from Human Rights Watch, on Friday. "The government should ensure that all sexual assault survivors are treated with dignity." Salma Ali, president of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, said tougher penalties would not be enough. "Focusing solely on capital punishment won't work... Our Women and Children Repression Prevention tribunals are overburdened. The number of courts need to increase," she said. "We also need to focus on victim protection. Several other aspects related to this law need to be updated," she added. (With Reuters inputs)

Bangladesh considers introducing death penalty for rape after protests against online video

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports.

The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported.

The DMP is conducting surprise dope tests on law enforcement officials as part of a wider crackdown on drug peddling. Over 100 policemen have been tested so far, the report added.

Most of the erring officials were found using yaba pills (amphetamine) and marijuana.

DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told the newspaper that the termination proceedings will end soon. A departmental case has been filed against them and they will be dismissed after the legal process is duly followed.

"Policemen who are involved with drugs or helping drug traders will be arrested and prosecuted. At (police) unit meetings, I have said tell me if anyone of is addicted to drugs so we can arrange for their treatment," Islam said.

The sackings come at the backdrop of increased allegations of police involvement in drug mafia and of some using themselves.

"We first identified a list of suspected drug abusers, scrutinised the list, and finally tested them. We have conducted dope test on over 100 police officials,? the DMP chief told the newspaper.

He said the sackings should send out the clear message that drug trade will not be tolerated. 
More drug tests in the police force are expected in the coming weeks.

The Daily Star reported that the suspended officials are being treated as regular criminals.

The drug tests have created fear and many of the officials are said to be cleaning up their act before the surprise test, The Daily Star reported.

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports. The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports. The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported. The DMP is conducting surprise dope tests on law enforcement officials as part of a wider crackdown on drug peddling. Over 100 policemen have been tested so far, the report added. Most of the erring officials were found using yaba pills (amphetamine) and marijuana. DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told the newspaper that the termination proceedings will end soon. A departmental case has been filed against them and they will be dismissed after the legal process is duly followed. "Policemen who are involved with drugs or helping drug traders will be arrested and prosecuted. At (police) unit meetings, I have said tell me if anyone of is addicted to drugs so we can arrange for their treatment," Islam said. The sackings come at the backdrop of increased allegations of police involvement in drug mafia and of some using themselves. "We first identified a list of suspected drug abusers, scrutinised the list, and finally tested them. We have conducted dope test on over 100 police officials,? the DMP chief told the newspaper. He said the sackings should send out the clear message that drug trade will not be tolerated. More drug tests in the police force are expected in the coming weeks. The Daily Star reported that the suspended officials are being treated as regular criminals. The drug tests have created fear and many of the officials are said to be cleaning up their act before the surprise test, The Daily Star reported.

26 Bangladeshi policemen face termination for failing drug test

Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said.

Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, who had led the hardline Hefazat-e-Islam group since it was formed in 2010, died of age-related complications on Friday in the capital Dhaka. He was believed to be over 100 years old.

His death came just a day after an unprecedented revolt involving thousands of students at his highly influential madrasa, or Islamic school, forced him to resign after three decades as its chair.

Shafi made his mark in national politics when he marched tens of thousands of his followers into central Dhaka in May 2013, demanding harsh blasphemy laws and the execution of atheist bloggers.

That rally ended bloodily when police evicted his followers from the capital's main commercial centre. Around 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces -- most of them shot dead -- in some of the worst political violence the country had ever seen.

Around half a dozen bloggers and secular activists were later hacked to death by Islamist extremists. 
On Saturday, after Shafi's body was brought back to his school in Hathazari outside the port city of Chittagong, vast crowds of his followers rushed to the town to pay their respects.

Local TV stations aired live footage of people, mostly men in religious dress, packing roads and spaces in and around the school.

"Some 150,000 people have already gathered here on the madrasa ground, in the buildings and out on the roads to his funeral prayers," regional police chief Anwar Hossain told AFP. Shafi's supporters said the turnout was far higher.

Madrasa revolt&nbsp;

As supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, Shafi oversaw its growth into the South Asian country's biggest Islamic fundamentalist group with millions of supporters.

Bangladesh is 90 percent Muslim and Shafi drew on support from seminaries at the tens of thousands of Islamic schools in the conservative nation of 168 million people.

His followers saw him as a key defender of the faith, but to his critics he was known as the "Tamarind Cleric", who wanted to roll back the secular character of modern Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised Shafi's contribution to the expansion of Islamic education in the country in a statement.

Shafi's unceremonious resignation as head of the madrasa -- which is considered the heart of conservative Islam in Bangladesh -- took place on Thursday night after a two-day long demonstration at the school.

Up to 3,000 madrasa students took part in the revolt, a police spokesman told AFP, which was triggered by the sacking of three madrasa teachers, allegedly orchestrated by Shafi's powerful son Anas Madani.

The students also forced Madani's sacking from the school.

In recent years, relations have improved between Hefazat-e-Islam and the secular government, which agreed to the group's demands for recognition of madrasa degrees and allowing students from all madrasas to compete for government jobs. 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said.

Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said. Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, who had led the hardline Hefazat-e-Islam group since it was formed in 2010, died of age-related complications on Friday in the capital Dhaka. He was believed to be over 100 years old. His death came just a day after an unprecedented revolt involving thousands of students at his highly influential madrasa, or Islamic school, forced him to resign after three decades as its chair. Shafi made his mark in national politics when he marched tens of thousands of his followers into central Dhaka in May 2013, demanding harsh blasphemy laws and the execution of atheist bloggers. That rally ended bloodily when police evicted his followers from the capital's main commercial centre. Around 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces -- most of them shot dead -- in some of the worst political violence the country had ever seen. Around half a dozen bloggers and secular activists were later hacked to death by Islamist extremists. On Saturday, after Shafi's body was brought back to his school in Hathazari outside the port city of Chittagong, vast crowds of his followers rushed to the town to pay their respects. Local TV stations aired live footage of people, mostly men in religious dress, packing roads and spaces in and around the school. "Some 150,000 people have already gathered here on the madrasa ground, in the buildings and out on the roads to his funeral prayers," regional police chief Anwar Hossain told AFP. Shafi's supporters said the turnout was far higher. Madrasa revolt As supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, Shafi oversaw its growth into the South Asian country's biggest Islamic fundamentalist group with millions of supporters. Bangladesh is 90 percent Muslim and Shafi drew on support from seminaries at the tens of thousands of Islamic schools in the conservative nation of 168 million people. His followers saw him as a key defender of the faith, but to his critics he was known as the "Tamarind Cleric", who wanted to roll back the secular character of modern Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised Shafi's contribution to the expansion of Islamic education in the country in a statement. Shafi's unceremonious resignation as head of the madrasa -- which is considered the heart of conservative Islam in Bangladesh -- took place on Thursday night after a two-day long demonstration at the school. Up to 3,000 madrasa students took part in the revolt, a police spokesman told AFP, which was triggered by the sacking of three madrasa teachers, allegedly orchestrated by Shafi's powerful son Anas Madani. The students also forced Madani's sacking from the school. In recent years, relations have improved between Hefazat-e-Islam and the secular government, which agreed to the group's demands for recognition of madrasa degrees and allowing students from all madrasas to compete for government jobs.

Bangladesh: Tens of thousands attend Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi's funeral

A delegation of 40 Rohingyas from the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar reaches Bhashan Char. The Rohingya leaders of the delegation will see with their own eyes what kind of facilities have been built in Bhashan Char or does the island looks like for living? Sources say the delegation included about 40 Rohingya leaders selected from each camp. They are scheduled to return to the Cox's Bazar Rohingya camp from Bhashan Char on September 8.

40 Rohingya refugees reach Bhashan Char to assess living conditions | Rohingya Refugee Relocation

The first batch of Rohingyas from the cramped camps of Cox’s Bazar is set to visit Bhashan Char. The place is 123km away from Bangladesh. The team of 40 Rohingyas includes local leaders and family members of the 306 Rohingya refugees already sheltered at Bhasan Char.

First Rohingya team of 40 Muslims to visit Bhasan Char

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night.&nbsp;

Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday.&nbsp;

All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning. Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night. Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday. All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

12 dead, dozens suffer burn injuries in Bangladesh mosque air conditioner explosion

The Bangladesh High Court has pronounced a verdict to the effect that Hindu widows will be entitled to share properties of their husbands.

Bangladesh: Hindu widows to get share of their husband's property

Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh held a "silent protest" on Tuesday to mark the third anniversary of clashes between Rohingya insurgents and Myanmar security forces that set off a huge movement into Bangladesh of people seeking safety. More than 1 million Rohingya live in the world's largest refugee settlement in southern Bangladesh, with little prospect of returning to Myanmar, where they are mostly denied citizenship and other rights.

Bangladesh sheltering close to 1 million Rohingya refugees

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday met his Bangladeshi counterpart. The two top diplomats discussed ways to boost bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian FS meets Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina amid rising Chinese flue

India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla meets Bangladesh's PM. Shringla conveyed Indian PM's special message to Sheikh Hasina. Proposal for the travel bubble & revival of the economy post COVID-19 were also discussed. Whereas Bangladesh's PM raised the issue of Rohingya's.

WION Fineprint: India's Foreign Sec Harsh Vardhan Shringla conveys PM'S special message

Indo-Bangla Ties | Proposal for travel bubble discussed

In Bangladesh, over 161 people are said to lose their lives in the massive flooding. Over 1/3 of Bangladesh have been inundated. Watch report.

Over 161 people killed in Bangladesh floods: Major transportation links cut off

Millions of people have been affected by floods in Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and are waiting for help as floodwaters have entered their homes. Watch report.

Flood worsens in Bangladesh: One-third of Bangladesh affected

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday&nbsp;that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters.

"At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing.

"The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-at-risk-in-bangladesh-as-monsoon-floods-add-to-coronavirus-worries-309937">Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries</a>

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance."

"Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said.

Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters. "At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing. "The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said. Also read: Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance." "Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said. Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-says-rohingya-refugees-cant-leave-island-312409" hreflang="en">Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island</a>

The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said.

"Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments.

"Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/delhi-court-grants-bail-to-82-bangladeshi-tablighi-jamaat-congregation-attendees-312270" hreflang="en">Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees</a>

Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully".

A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away.

A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery.

"It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen."

The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet.

They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including&nbsp;Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack.

In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities.

In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers.

A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside. The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels". Also read: Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said. "Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments. "Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim. Also read: Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully". A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away. A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery. "It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen." The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet. They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack. In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities. In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers. A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Body of Bangladesh newborn dug from grave and dumped

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs.

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The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP.

The JSS is the main insurgent group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban.

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It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997.

Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps.

In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders.

In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said. Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs. Also read| COVID-19: Bangladesh resumes international flights The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP. The JSS is the main insurgent group in Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban. Also read: Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997. Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps. In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders. In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

Six shot dead in Bangladesh's restive southeastern hills: Police

We know the history of Sundarbans tigers brutality. A women abandoned by her sons, shunned by her neighbours and branded a witch. Bengal tiger killed Mosammat Rashida’s husband and this was her crime. Women like her are ostracised in many rural villages in Bangladesh, where they are viewed as the cause of their partner’s misfortune

Sundarban: The curse of being a Tiger Widow

An arrest warrant has been issued against prominent editor Matiur Rahman in Bangladesh. Activists say this is an attack on the freedom of the press. Is the Sheikh Hasina Govt muzzling voices of dissent in Bangladesh?

Gravitas: Is Bangladesh Govt muzzling voices of dissent?

Bangladeshi police stormed a militant hideout in it&#39;s capital city, Dhaka and killed nine suspected Islamist extremists after a gunbattle on Tuesday morning, officials said. 
 
&quot;Nine Islamist militants were killed after two hour-long gunfight,&quot; deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Masud Ahmed said, adding another extremist was shot and arrested during the raid in Kalyanpur neighbourhood. 
 
Police said they cordoned off an apartment building after suspects threw a small hand bomb at officers who were conducting a &quot;block raid&quot; in the area after midnight. 
 
The Islamist gunmen exchanged fire intermittently throughout the night as the neighbourhood was sealed off by hundreds of heavily armed police and the elite security force Rapid Action Battalion, police said. 
 
&quot;This morning police launched operation Storm 26 and was able to kill militants. We&#39;re now sweeping the place,&quot; Dhaka additional police commissioner Sheikh Maruf Hasan who led the raid said. 
 
He said all 10 were members of an Islamist extremist group, but did not say which one they belonged to. 
 
&quot;Their dress and their slogans before and after the attack all proved that they are members of (Islamist) militant force,&quot; Hasan said, adding that they were wearing black tunics and shouting &quot;Allahu Akbar&quot;. 
 
Bangladesh is reeling from a wave of deadly attacks by Islamist extremists.&nbsp;Earlier this month five armed men stormed an upscale cafe in Dhaka&#39;s diplomatic zone and killed at least 20 hostages, including 18 foreigners, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. 
 
(AFP)

Police said they cordoned off an apartment building after suspects threw a small bomb at officers conducting a 'block raid' after midnight

Bangladeshi police stormed a militant hideout in it's capital city, Dhaka and killed nine suspected Islamist extremists after a gunbattle on Tuesday morning, officials said. "Nine Islamist militants were killed after two hour-long gunfight," deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Masud Ahmed said, adding another extremist was shot and arrested during the raid in Kalyanpur neighbourhood. Police said they cordoned off an apartment building after suspects threw a small hand bomb at officers who were conducting a "block raid" in the area after midnight. The Islamist gunmen exchanged fire intermittently throughout the night as the neighbourhood was sealed off by hundreds of heavily armed police and the elite security force Rapid Action Battalion, police said. "This morning police launched operation Storm 26 and was able to kill militants. We're now sweeping the place," Dhaka additional police commissioner Sheikh Maruf Hasan who led the raid said. He said all 10 were members of an Islamist extremist group, but did not say which one they belonged to. "Their dress and their slogans before and after the attack all proved that they are members of (Islamist) militant force," Hasan said, adding that they were wearing black tunics and shouting "Allahu Akbar". Bangladesh is reeling from a wave of deadly attacks by Islamist extremists. Earlier this month five armed men stormed an upscale cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic zone and killed at least 20 hostages, including 18 foreigners, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. (AFP)

Nine suspected Islamist terrorists killed, two arrested in Bangladesh police raid

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