<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-ties-will-reach-new-heights-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-in-delhi-253656">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> on Friday reacted to India's move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-banned-onion-exports-now-asia-has-eye-watering-prices-253269">stop onion exports</a>, saying that after New Delhi's decision she has asked her cook to stop using onions while preparing meals.

"The onion move has created a bit of trouble for us. I don't know why you (India) has stopped onion exports. I have asked my cook not to use onions," Hasina said in New Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day she hailed India-Bangladesh bilateral ties and said that she thinks the relations will reach a "new height".

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Delhi: Pyaaz mein thoda dikkat ho gya hamare liye. Mujhe maloom nahi kyun aapne pyaaz bandh kar diya? Maine cook ko bol diya ab se khana mein pyaaz bandh kardo. (Indian Govt had banned export of Onions on September 29) <a href="https://t.co/NYt4ds9Jt2">pic.twitter.com/NYt4ds9Jt2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1180025635286200321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Hasina is currently on a four-day visit to India. On Saturday the Bangladeshi PM is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India, the world's biggest seller of onions, has banned exports after extended Monsoon downpours delayed harvests and supplies shrivelled.&nbsp;

New Delhi has banned all exports from India after local prices jumped to 4,500 rupees ($63.30) per 100 kilogram, their highest in nearly six years, due to the delay in summer-sown crop arrivals triggered by longer, heavier rains than usual, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Since the ban, countries such as Bangladesh have turned to the likes of Myanmar, Egypt, Turkey and China to increase supplies in a bid bring prices down, government officials and traders said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday reacted to India's move to stop onion exports, saying that after New Delhi's decision she has asked her cook to stop using onions while preparing meals.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday reacted to India's move to stop onion exports, saying that after New Delhi's decision she has asked her cook to stop using onions while preparing meals. "The onion move has created a bit of trouble for us. I don't know why you (India) has stopped onion exports. I have asked my cook not to use onions," Hasina said in New Delhi on Friday. Earlier in the day she hailed India-Bangladesh bilateral ties and said that she thinks the relations will reach a "new height". #WATCH Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Delhi: Pyaaz mein thoda dikkat ho gya hamare liye. Mujhe maloom nahi kyun aapne pyaaz bandh kar diya? Maine cook ko bol diya ab se khana mein pyaaz bandh kardo. (Indian Govt had banned export of Onions on September 29) pic.twitter.com/NYt4ds9Jt2 — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2019 × PM Hasina is currently on a four-day visit to India. On Saturday the Bangladeshi PM is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India, the world's biggest seller of onions, has banned exports after extended Monsoon downpours delayed harvests and supplies shrivelled. New Delhi has banned all exports from India after local prices jumped to 4,500 rupees ($63.30) per 100 kilogram, their highest in nearly six years, due to the delay in summer-sown crop arrivals triggered by longer, heavier rains than usual, news agency Reuters reported. Since the ban, countries such as Bangladesh have turned to the likes of Myanmar, Egypt, Turkey and China to increase supplies in a bid bring prices down, government officials and traders said. (With inputs from Reuters)

As India stops onion exports, Bangladesh PM says, 'have asked cook not to use pyaaz'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged Indian investors to step up their investment in Bangladesh, saying her country "knows how to transform challenges into opportunities."

"It is the time for global investors, particularly Indian entrepreneurs, to invest in Bangladesh in areas like education, engineering, and artificial intelligence," the prime minister said at an interactive session of the World Economic Forum.

She added, "We do face challenges like any other country but we know how to transform challenges into opportunities."

The prime minister told the crowd gathered at the session that this year Bangladesh's economy noted a record high-growth of 8.13 per cent.

"We are close to achieving double-digit growth," she said while assuring further that agriculture is no longer subsistence farming.

"We are second in jute, fourth largest in rice production and mangoes, and fifth in inland fisheries."

Hasina arrived earlier on Thursday on a four-day visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries.

She is scheduled to participate as the chief guest at the India Economic Summit organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on October 3 and 4.

During the visit, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral discussions with Modi on October 5.

This will be Hasina's first visit to India since the completion of the elections in Bangladesh and India, a press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"Apart from a number of agreements that are to be exchanged between the sides during the visit, the two Prime Ministers will also jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link," the statement said.

On September 27, Hasina and Modi had met on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York where the two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach against terrorism and violent extremism and noted that strong ties in the security sector had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries.

During Hasina's visit to India, both countries are expected to review the Rohingya and Teesta river water sharing issues, apart from inking agreements in various sectors.

"Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi may definitely discuss different issues, including the Teesta as well as Rohingyas," The Dhaka Tribune quoted Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muazzem Ali, as saying.

On the sidelines of the India Economic Forum meet, the two countries are likely to sign a number of MoUs in different areas, including connectivity, culture, technical cooperation and trade and investment, Muazzem said.

"It is so far confirmed that seven to eight MoUs are to be signed, mostly on connectivity, cultural and technical cooperation, and trade and investment after the bilateral meeting of the two prime ministers on October 5," he said.

However, the High Commissioner also stated that the number of MoUs could be as high as 10. Muazzem further remarked that the Bangladesh Prime Minister would also seek more investments from major Indian investors.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged Indian investors to step up their investment in Bangladesh, saying her country "knows how to transform challenges into opportunities.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged Indian investors to step up their investment in Bangladesh, saying her country "knows how to transform challenges into opportunities." "It is the time for global investors, particularly Indian entrepreneurs, to invest in Bangladesh in areas like education, engineering, and artificial intelligence," the prime minister said at an interactive session of the World Economic Forum. She added, "We do face challenges like any other country but we know how to transform challenges into opportunities." The prime minister told the crowd gathered at the session that this year Bangladesh's economy noted a record high-growth of 8.13 per cent. "We are close to achieving double-digit growth," she said while assuring further that agriculture is no longer subsistence farming. "We are second in jute, fourth largest in rice production and mangoes, and fifth in inland fisheries." Hasina arrived earlier on Thursday on a four-day visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries. She is scheduled to participate as the chief guest at the India Economic Summit organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on October 3 and 4. During the visit, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral discussions with Modi on October 5. This will be Hasina's first visit to India since the completion of the elections in Bangladesh and India, a press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "Apart from a number of agreements that are to be exchanged between the sides during the visit, the two Prime Ministers will also jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link," the statement said. On September 27, Hasina and Modi had met on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York where the two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach against terrorism and violent extremism and noted that strong ties in the security sector had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries. During Hasina's visit to India, both countries are expected to review the Rohingya and Teesta river water sharing issues, apart from inking agreements in various sectors. "Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi may definitely discuss different issues, including the Teesta as well as Rohingyas," The Dhaka Tribune quoted Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muazzem Ali, as saying. On the sidelines of the India Economic Forum meet, the two countries are likely to sign a number of MoUs in different areas, including connectivity, culture, technical cooperation and trade and investment, Muazzem said. "It is so far confirmed that seven to eight MoUs are to be signed, mostly on connectivity, cultural and technical cooperation, and trade and investment after the bilateral meeting of the two prime ministers on October 5," he said. However, the High Commissioner also stated that the number of MoUs could be as high as 10. Muazzem further remarked that the Bangladesh Prime Minister would also seek more investments from major Indian investors.

Sheikh Hasina calls for more Indian investments in Bangladesh

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport.

During the visit around a dozen of bilateral agreements will be signed and focus will be on increasing bilateral cooperation including discussing several issues like Teesta river water sharing, Rohingya issue &amp; NRC.

"We expect that the PM’s visit to India will further enhance the bilateral relations...We will discuss a framework agreement on the Teesta and seven other common rivers", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was quoted by Bangladeshi media.

On the Rohingya issue, Momen said, "If the Rohingya crisis prolongs, there may be pockets of radicalisation...We want to convey this message to India"

The NRC or citizens register development in Assam will also be raised with Momen saying, "We have trust in what the Indian authorities told us. Yet, we will raise the issue"

The Indian side, including Prime Minister Modi and External affairs minister S Jaishankar have already assured the Bangladeshi side to not worry on the developments in Assam and it will not impact Dhaka.

Saturday will be the main day of engagement with PM Hasina holding bilateral talks with PM Modi and calling on President Ram Nath Kovind. The two&nbsp;Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit organized by the World Economic Forum on October&nbsp;03-04, 2019.

Hasina will also meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Shyam Benegal. Remember Benegal is the director of the joint India Bangladesh film which is being planned on the Father of Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The visit comes a week after PM Modi met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

A ministry of external affairs release said, "The two leaders reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation, and agreed to maintain the momentum to take the India-Bangladesh relationship to new heights".

Both the leaders "reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism" and "agreed that a strong partnership in security had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries."

Sheikh Hasina also participated in the special commemorative event organized by India to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi at the united nations last Tuesday.

There has been a number of high-level engagements between the two&nbsp;countries. PM Modi visited the country in 2015, it was followed by PM Hasina's India visit in 2016 for BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016 and state visit in 2017. PM Hasina again visited in India in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University. During her visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

PM Modi was one of the first global leaders to congratulate PM Hasina for her election victory on 30th December 2018. Last month EAM Jaishankar visited the country and met the top leadership.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has arrived in India on a 4 day India visit, the first since her landslide victory in December of 2018. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh's HC Syed Muazzem Ali and JS (Bangladesh Myanmar) in the Ministry of external affairs Vikram Doraiswami received the Bangladeshi PM at the airport. During the visit around a dozen of bilateral agreements will be signed and focus will be on increasing bilateral cooperation including discussing several issues like Teesta river water sharing, Rohingya issue & NRC. "We expect that the PM’s visit to India will further enhance the bilateral relations...We will discuss a framework agreement on the Teesta and seven other common rivers", Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was quoted by Bangladeshi media. On the Rohingya issue, Momen said, "If the Rohingya crisis prolongs, there may be pockets of radicalisation...We want to convey this message to India" The NRC or citizens register development in Assam will also be raised with Momen saying, "We have trust in what the Indian authorities told us. Yet, we will raise the issue" The Indian side, including Prime Minister Modi and External affairs minister S Jaishankar have already assured the Bangladeshi side to not worry on the developments in Assam and it will not impact Dhaka. Saturday will be the main day of engagement with PM Hasina holding bilateral talks with PM Modi and calling on President Ram Nath Kovind. The two Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit organized by the World Economic Forum on October 03-04, 2019. Hasina will also meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Shyam Benegal. Remember Benegal is the director of the joint India Bangladesh film which is being planned on the Father of Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The visit comes a week after PM Modi met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. A ministry of external affairs release said, "The two leaders reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation, and agreed to maintain the momentum to take the India-Bangladesh relationship to new heights". Both the leaders "reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism" and "agreed that a strong partnership in security had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries." Sheikh Hasina also participated in the special commemorative event organized by India to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi at the united nations last Tuesday. There has been a number of high-level engagements between the two countries. PM Modi visited the country in 2015, it was followed by PM Hasina's India visit in 2016 for BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016 and state visit in 2017. PM Hasina again visited in India in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University. During her visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol. PM Modi was one of the first global leaders to congratulate PM Hasina for her election victory on 30th December 2018. Last month EAM Jaishankar visited the country and met the top leadership.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in India on 4-day visit; Teesta water sharing, Rohingya issue on agenda

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

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

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

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina holds rare talks with opposition front

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated.

Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges.

That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison.

In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and misusing 31.5 million taka (US $375,000) destined for a charitable fund.

This fresh conviction is expected to further impede her chances of challenging Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents, in a general election slated for December.&nbsp;

There was no immediate reaction from Zia's BNP, but her lawyers have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance".

Zia, once an ally to Hasina, boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her opponent returned to power.

Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup.

She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless.

Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics.

In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside Dhaka Central prison where she is the sole prisoner in incarceration.&nbsp;

She was absent from the court Monday as she was being treated in hospital for various ailments.

A special room inside the prison was converted into a makeshift court in an effort to fast track her trial.&nbsp;

Her lawyers protested the move, described it as unconstitutional.

Her family suffered another political blow this month when her eldest son and heir apparent to the opposition movement, Tarique Rahman, was jailed for life in absentia.

He lives in exile in London.

Rahman was found guilty of playing key role in a 2004 grenade attack on the political rally of Hasina, which killed at least 20 people and injured the then opposition leader.

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated.

A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia to another seven years in prison on corruption charges that her supporters say are politically motivated. Zia, long a rival to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is already behind bars after being handed a five-year term in February on separate embezzlement charges. That verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia still leads from prison. In her latest trial, Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzman found the 73-year-old guilty of abuse of power and misusing 31.5 million taka (US $375,000) destined for a charitable fund. This fresh conviction is expected to further impede her chances of challenging Hasina, who has been accused of stifling her opponents, in a general election slated for December. There was no immediate reaction from Zia's BNP, but her lawyers have consistently described the trial as "political vengeance". Zia, once an ally to Hasina, boycotted the 2014 general election which saw her opponent returned to power. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Zia says the charges are designed to keep her family out of politics. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside Dhaka Central prison where she is the sole prisoner in incarceration. She was absent from the court Monday as she was being treated in hospital for various ailments. A special room inside the prison was converted into a makeshift court in an effort to fast track her trial. Her lawyers protested the move, described it as unconstitutional. Her family suffered another political blow this month when her eldest son and heir apparent to the opposition movement, Tarique Rahman, was jailed for life in absentia. He lives in exile in London. Rahman was found guilty of playing key role in a 2004 grenade attack on the political rally of Hasina, which killed at least 20 people and injured the then opposition leader.

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia sentenced to 7 years in jail for corruption

The appellate division of the supreme court has scheduled a final order on Khaleda Zia's bail on May 15.

Zia has been sentenced a five-year imprisonment on charges of misappropriating $252,000 from the Zia orphanage trust. Her bail could decide the fate of her party at the national election due in less than a year.&nbsp;

Zia’s defence counsels challenged the government lawyers that there is not another case where a high court’s discretion to grant bail has been intervened in by the supreme court.

All eyes now await the order of the supreme court next week.

The appellate division of the supreme court heard the arguments of both sides on Wednesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Zia has been sentenced a five-year imprisonment on charges of misappropriating $252,000 from the Zia orphanage trust. Her bail could decide the fate of her party at the national election due in less than a year

The appellate division of the supreme court has scheduled a final order on Khaleda Zia's bail on May 15. Zia has been sentenced a five-year imprisonment on charges of misappropriating $252,000 from the Zia orphanage trust. Her bail could decide the fate of her party at the national election due in less than a year. Zia’s defence counsels challenged the government lawyers that there is not another case where a high court’s discretion to grant bail has been intervened in by the supreme court. All eyes now await the order of the supreme court next week. The appellate division of the supreme court heard the arguments of both sides on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Supreme Court to pronounce verdict on Khaleda Zia's bail on May 15

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the Muslim countries under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stoutly stand beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas to protect their dignity and security.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis.

"My appeal to the OIC is to stand solidly beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas in safeguarding their dignity and security. The Holy Prophet's (SAW) message for us was to stand beside the distressed humanity. When the

Rohingya community of Myanmar is being subjected to 'ethnic cleansing,' the OIC fraternity cannot overlook it," Dhaka Tribune quoted Prime Minister Hasina as saying.

The inaugural began at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka.

She appealed the OIC to exert international pressure on Myanmar authorities so that it delivers on the ground and speeds up the repatriation process.

Hasina focused on five points before the OIC Foreign Ministers, saying the Muslim world has no reason to fall behind.

Firstly, to have trust in the basic Islamic faith and stop using religion as a tool for divisive political purposes. Secondly, the OIC members should politically resolve their issues without anyone's intervention. Thirdly, to live an enlightened life of self-awareness. Fourthly, to undertake a fast-track development course in order to eliminate poverty and hunger. And lastly, to get inspired by the eternal values of Islam- peace, moderation and equality.

She asked OIC members to implement its OIC-2025 Program of Action.

Hasina also said that, Muslim identity was mistakenly being equated with that of extremism and violence.

A number of 57 countries, including 52 members of the OIC are participating in the OIC CMF. The 45th session of the CFM will end with a closing session preceded by a brainstorming session focusing on the Humanitarian specially on Rohingyas," on Sunday.

The theme of this year's meeting is "Islamic Values for Sustainable Peace, Solidarity and Development."

This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting the CFM, under a democratic government. It was last conducted in 1983. 
&nbsp

Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the Muslim countries under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stoutly stand beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas to protect their dignity and security. Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis. "My appeal to the OIC is to stand solidly beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas in safeguarding their dignity and security. The Holy Prophet's (SAW) message for us was to stand beside the distressed humanity. When the Rohingya community of Myanmar is being subjected to 'ethnic cleansing,' the OIC fraternity cannot overlook it," Dhaka Tribune quoted Prime Minister Hasina as saying. The inaugural began at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka. She appealed the OIC to exert international pressure on Myanmar authorities so that it delivers on the ground and speeds up the repatriation process. Hasina focused on five points before the OIC Foreign Ministers, saying the Muslim world has no reason to fall behind. Firstly, to have trust in the basic Islamic faith and stop using religion as a tool for divisive political purposes. Secondly, the OIC members should politically resolve their issues without anyone's intervention. Thirdly, to live an enlightened life of self-awareness. Fourthly, to undertake a fast-track development course in order to eliminate poverty and hunger. And lastly, to get inspired by the eternal values of Islam- peace, moderation and equality. She asked OIC members to implement its OIC-2025 Program of Action. Hasina also said that, Muslim identity was mistakenly being equated with that of extremism and violence. A number of 57 countries, including 52 members of the OIC are participating in the OIC CMF. The 45th session of the CFM will end with a closing session preceded by a brainstorming session focusing on the Humanitarian specially on Rohingyas," on Sunday. The theme of this year's meeting is "Islamic Values for Sustainable Peace, Solidarity and Development." This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting the CFM, under a democratic government. It was last conducted in 1983.

Bangladesh PM appeals OIC to stand beside Rohingyas

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions.&nbsp;

Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community?

Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen.

WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses?

Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions.

WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions?

Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September.

WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant?

Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice.&nbsp;

WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe?

Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is.

I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated.&nbsp;

Watch the full interview below:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hqhPmIu3gtc" width="560"></iframe>

Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, spoke to WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh. Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions. Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community? Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen. WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses? Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions. WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions? Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September. WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant? Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice. WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe? Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is. I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated. Watch the full interview below:

Rohingya crisis: Impose sanctions, cut off investment, then Myanmar Army will come to its senses, says adviser to Bangladesh PM 

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world&#39;s fastest-growing economy in two years.&nbsp;Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data.

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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203" target="_blank">jailed for five years for corruption</a>&nbsp;on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence.

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The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport.&nbsp;

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The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

India to become fastest-growing major economy in two years: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world's fastest-growing economy in two years. Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data. Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was jailed for five years for corruption on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence. Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during take off, main Chennai Airport runway closed The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year? They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year. Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14 The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

WION Evening News Brief, February 8, 2018

Bangladesh&#39;s prime minister on Thursday proposed creating UN-supervised safe zones inside Myanmar to protect Rohingya Muslims who are fleeing a military crackdown to seek refuge in her country.

&quot;These people must be able to return to their homeland in safety, security and dignity,&quot; Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the UN General Assembly.

The United Nations says more than 420,000 Rohingya have fled for safety to Bangladesh in the face of an army campaign in northern Rakhine state that includes rape and the burning of villages.

The military operation was sparked by attacks carried out by Rohingya militants on police posts on August 25.

Hasina accused Myanmar authorities of laying landmines on the border to prevent the Rohingyas from returning and said the United Nations must take immediate measures to find a solution to the crisis.

The prime minister laid out a five-point plan that called for the protection of the Rohingyas in &quot;safe zones that could be created inside Myanmar under UN supervision.&quot;

The United Nations has described the military operation as &quot;ethnic cleansing&quot; and French President Emmanuel Macron went further, describing it as a &quot;genocide.&quot;

Myanmar must stop the violence and &quot;the practice of ethnic cleansing&quot;, agree to allow a UN fact-finding mission, ensure the return of refugees and abide by a report that recommends citizenship for the Rohingya, said Hasina. They currently lack it.

There has been mounting international outrage over the plight of the Rohingya, prompting the UN Security Council this month to call for an end to the violence.

The creation of such &quot;safe areas&quot; would require the approval of the Security Council where China, a strong supporter of Myanmar&#39;s former junta, has veto power.

The 1.1-million strong Rohingya people have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country.&nbsp;

The recent exodus of Rohingya has brought the number of refugees from Rakhine living in Bangladesh to over 800,000, said the prime minister.

Sheikh Hasina accused Myanmar authorities of laying landmines on the border to prevent the Rohingyas from returning

Bangladesh's prime minister on Thursday proposed creating UN-supervised safe zones inside Myanmar to protect Rohingya Muslims who are fleeing a military crackdown to seek refuge in her country. "These people must be able to return to their homeland in safety, security and dignity," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the UN General Assembly. The United Nations says more than 420,000 Rohingya have fled for safety to Bangladesh in the face of an army campaign in northern Rakhine state that includes rape and the burning of villages. The military operation was sparked by attacks carried out by Rohingya militants on police posts on August 25. Hasina accused Myanmar authorities of laying landmines on the border to prevent the Rohingyas from returning and said the United Nations must take immediate measures to find a solution to the crisis. The prime minister laid out a five-point plan that called for the protection of the Rohingyas in "safe zones that could be created inside Myanmar under UN supervision." The United Nations has described the military operation as "ethnic cleansing" and French President Emmanuel Macron went further, describing it as a "genocide." Myanmar must stop the violence and "the practice of ethnic cleansing", agree to allow a UN fact-finding mission, ensure the return of refugees and abide by a report that recommends citizenship for the Rohingya, said Hasina. They currently lack it. There has been mounting international outrage over the plight of the Rohingya, prompting the UN Security Council this month to call for an end to the violence. The creation of such "safe areas" would require the approval of the Security Council where China, a strong supporter of Myanmar's former junta, has veto power. The 1.1-million strong Rohingya people have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have longstanding roots in the country. The recent exodus of Rohingya has brought the number of refugees from Rakhine living in Bangladesh to over 800,000, said the prime minister.

Bangladesh PM proposes UN-supervised 'safe zones' for Rohingyas in Myanmar

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