A minority alliance in Bangladesh staged a mass rally in Dhaka on Friday, urging the government to accept their eight-point demand aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of minority communities. The rally, held at the central Shaheed Minar, saw thousands of participants from minority communities across the country, calling for greater protection and justice amid rising concerns over their safety.

BREAKING: Massive Protest Erupts In Dhaka Ahead Of Durga Puja

A clash broke out before jummah prayer at the national mosque Baitul Mukarram between followers of present Khatib Waliur Rahman and former kahtib Ruhul Amim, who has been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government and arrived at the mosque.

Bangladesh: Followers of current and former leaders clash in Dhaka mosque

Bangladesh: Over 50 Hurt as Clash Breaks Out at a Mosque in Dhaka

The interim government in Bangladesh is set to scrutinise its deal with Indian conglomerate, Adani Group. The government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is keen to know the terms of the 2017 agreement under which Adani Group exports power to Dhaka from its Jharkhand unit.

The government wants to know the terms and conditions of the agreement and if a fair price was being paid for availing the services.&nbsp;

“There will be scrutiny of Indian businesses, like the Adani business...what kind of contracts have been signed, what are the terms and conditions, one cannot have a foreign company not follow the law of the land,” a senior official of the interim government was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

The official added that the decision to examine the Indian company should not be seen as 'painting a target' on such businesses.&nbsp;

"They will be scrutinised for what they are doing here, how much is Bangladesh paying, is it justified, all these questions will come up."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adani-australia-controversy-allegation-of-fraud-in-adanis-australia-firm-564726" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Adani Australia controversy: Allegation of fraud in Adani's Australia firm</a>

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The 25-year, 1,496 MW deal was signed by Adani Power (Jharkhand) Ltd (APJL) with the Bangladesh Power Development Board under the Power Purchase Agreement in November 2017. Under the deal, Bangladesh had been purchasing 100 per cent of electricity produced by APJL's Godda plant, which amounts to 7-10 per cent of Bangladesh's base load.&nbsp;

In the previous calendar year, the Gautam Adani-owned company exported approximately&nbsp; 7,508 million units of power to Bangladesh which is 63 per cent of India’s total power exports (11,934 million units).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, Dhaka had not paid over $800 million in payments to Adani Group with the company stating that the backlog of overdue payments had become 'unsustainable'.&nbsp;

<h2>Adani Group faces protest in Kenya&nbsp;</h2>

The news comes a day after aviation workers in Kenya went on strike against Adani Group's proposed takeover of the&nbsp;Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Although the strike was called off later, the aviation workers union demanded that the government scrap the plan to lease the airport to Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/congress-criticizes-sebi-over-delayed-investigation-into-adani-group-and-mauritius-fpis-756966" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Congress criticises SEBI over delayed investigation into Adani Group and Mauritius FPIs</a>

The union as well as critics of the move argue that Adani Group's takeover would lead to job losses for local staff and rob taxpayers of future airport profits.

(With inputs from agencies)

The interim government in Bangladesh is set to scrutinise its deal with Indian conglomerate, Adani Group. The government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is keen to know the terms of the 2017 agreement under which Adani Group exports power to Dhaka from its Jharkhand unit.

The interim government in Bangladesh is set to scrutinise its deal with Indian conglomerate, Adani Group. The government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is keen to know the terms of the 2017 agreement under which Adani Group exports power to Dhaka from its Jharkhand unit. The government wants to know the terms and conditions of the agreement and if a fair price was being paid for availing the services. “There will be scrutiny of Indian businesses, like the Adani business...what kind of contracts have been signed, what are the terms and conditions, one cannot have a foreign company not follow the law of the land,” a senior official of the interim government was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. The official added that the decision to examine the Indian company should not be seen as 'painting a target' on such businesses. "They will be scrutinised for what they are doing here, how much is Bangladesh paying, is it justified, all these questions will come up." Watch | Adani Australia controversy: Allegation of fraud in Adani's Australia firm × The 25-year, 1,496 MW deal was signed by Adani Power (Jharkhand) Ltd (APJL) with the Bangladesh Power Development Board under the Power Purchase Agreement in November 2017. Under the deal, Bangladesh had been purchasing 100 per cent of electricity produced by APJL's Godda plant, which amounts to 7-10 per cent of Bangladesh's base load. In the previous calendar year, the Gautam Adani-owned company exported approximately 7,508 million units of power to Bangladesh which is 63 per cent of India’s total power exports (11,934 million units). Notably, Dhaka had not paid over $800 million in payments to Adani Group with the company stating that the backlog of overdue payments had become 'unsustainable'. Adani Group faces protest in Kenya The news comes a day after aviation workers in Kenya went on strike against Adani Group's proposed takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Although the strike was called off later, the aviation workers union demanded that the government scrap the plan to lease the airport to Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment. Also read | Congress criticises SEBI over delayed investigation into Adani Group and Mauritius FPIs The union as well as critics of the move argue that Adani Group's takeover would lead to job losses for local staff and rob taxpayers of future airport profits. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh's interim government scrutinising deal with Adani Group: Report

The body of 32-year-old Rahanuma Sarah, who worked as the newsroom editor at private television channel GTV, was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake on Tuesday. Sarah jumped into the lake, her husband said, citing witnesses.

Sheikh Hasina's son questions death of GTV's newsroom editor

Bangladesh's interim government Wednesday revoked a ban on the rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, less than a month after it was imposed on the Islamist party by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign following massive protests against her government.

"It (lifting the ban) will come under effect immediately," the Home Ministry said in a gazette notification, noting that there was no particular evidence against the organisation.

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The interim government today lifted the ban on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir. 
 
The home ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard. “Since there is no specific evidence of involvement of Jamaat, Shibir, and its front… <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:585,&quot;y&quot;:242,&quot;w&quot;:164,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:618,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1985}" href="https://t.co/wEHzLUdlHX">pic.twitter.com/wEHzLUdlHX</a>
— Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (@BJI_Official) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:587,&quot;y&quot;:270,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:620,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2013}" href="https://twitter.com/BJI_Official/status/1828718586355212340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The erstwhile Awami League government led by Hasina had imposed a ban on Jamaat on August 1, 2024, accusing the Islamist party as a “militant and terrorist” organisation. The government blamed Jamaat's student wing for inciting chaos over a quota system for government jobs.

The notification said the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 has been lifted as there was no particular evidence against the organisation. The government believed that Jamaat and its associate bodies, including its student front Chhatra Shibir, were not involved in terrorist activities and violence.

The decision, formally published in a gazette notification on Wednesday, represents a significant change from the decision taken by the erstwhile Awami League government earlier this month, just days before its ouster.

The development came a day after Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman urged the High Court to summarily reject a writ petition seeking an order on the government to ban Hasina's Awami League as a political party and scrap its registration.

"The current (interim) government has no intention to ban any political organisation,” the government's top law officer told a two-judge High Court bench, which set August 29 for its decision on the writ filed by one Sarda Society as a public interest litigation.

The interim government's law adviser, equivalent to a minister, Asif Nazrul on Wednesday told reporters he was opposed to the call for a ban on Awami League or any other political parties unless there was any strong evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities.

"Awami League is the party which led Bangladesh's independence movement and contributed to different democratic movements. (But) what they did in the past 15 years does not go with their heritage, the spirit of the Liberation War,” Nazrul said.

He said the party had established the "most barbaric fascism" in Bangladesh's history for which someone might have individual or its leaders might have collective responsibility “but I don't think it will be a wise decision to ban it as a political party”.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-with-former-members-in-election-fray-jamaat-islami-seeks-political-comeback-754014">Jammu-Kashmir: With former members in election fray, banned Jamaat Islami seeks political comeback</a>

Secretary General of ex-premier Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that anyone should be able to form an independent political party, that is the main goal of democracy.

"We are not in favour of banning any political party; any party and any individual has the right to form an independent party. But they must be on the side of freedom and sovereignty. Those who do not believe in freedom cannot be supported," he said at a media briefing on Tuesday.

No senior leader of the Awami League, which ran the country for the past 15 years, is seen in the public domain while several ministers of Hasina's cabinet were arrested, on the run or believed to have fled the country since the ouster of the regime.

The Jamaat opposed Bangladesh's 1971 independence from Pakistan and sided with the Pakistani troops during the Liberation War.&nbsp;

The Jamaat, founded in 1941 in undivided India, was first banned in 1972, the year Bangladesh framed its Constitution, which disbanded the functioning of any association, union or political party based on religion.

But the subsequent military government led by General Ziaur Rahman revoked the ban by issuing a martial law proclamation, which allowed Jamaat to refloat and years later became a crucial partner of the then prime minister Khaleda Zia's 2001-2006 four-party alliance government. Two senior Jamaat leaders were inducted into her cabinet.

The Jamaat remained active despite losing its registration and being barred from elections due to court rulings.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Bangladesh's interim government Wednesday revoked a ban on the rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, less than a month after it was imposed on the Islamist party by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign following massive protests against her government.

Bangladesh's interim government Wednesday revoked a ban on the rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, less than a month after it was imposed on the Islamist party by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign following massive protests against her government. "It (lifting the ban) will come under effect immediately," the Home Ministry said in a gazette notification, noting that there was no particular evidence against the organisation. The interim government today lifted the ban on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir. The home ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard. “Since there is no specific evidence of involvement of Jamaat, Shibir, and its front… pic.twitter.com/wEHzLUdlHX — Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (@BJI_Official) August 28, 2024 × The erstwhile Awami League government led by Hasina had imposed a ban on Jamaat on August 1, 2024, accusing the Islamist party as a “militant and terrorist” organisation. The government blamed Jamaat's student wing for inciting chaos over a quota system for government jobs. The notification said the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 has been lifted as there was no particular evidence against the organisation. The government believed that Jamaat and its associate bodies, including its student front Chhatra Shibir, were not involved in terrorist activities and violence. The decision, formally published in a gazette notification on Wednesday, represents a significant change from the decision taken by the erstwhile Awami League government earlier this month, just days before its ouster. The development came a day after Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman urged the High Court to summarily reject a writ petition seeking an order on the government to ban Hasina's Awami League as a political party and scrap its registration. "The current (interim) government has no intention to ban any political organisation,” the government's top law officer told a two-judge High Court bench, which set August 29 for its decision on the writ filed by one Sarda Society as a public interest litigation. The interim government's law adviser, equivalent to a minister, Asif Nazrul on Wednesday told reporters he was opposed to the call for a ban on Awami League or any other political parties unless there was any strong evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities. "Awami League is the party which led Bangladesh's independence movement and contributed to different democratic movements. (But) what they did in the past 15 years does not go with their heritage, the spirit of the Liberation War,” Nazrul said. He said the party had established the "most barbaric fascism" in Bangladesh's history for which someone might have individual or its leaders might have collective responsibility “but I don't think it will be a wise decision to ban it as a political party”. Also Read | Jammu-Kashmir: With former members in election fray, banned Jamaat Islami seeks political comeback Secretary General of ex-premier Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that anyone should be able to form an independent political party, that is the main goal of democracy. "We are not in favour of banning any political party; any party and any individual has the right to form an independent party. But they must be on the side of freedom and sovereignty. Those who do not believe in freedom cannot be supported," he said at a media briefing on Tuesday. No senior leader of the Awami League, which ran the country for the past 15 years, is seen in the public domain while several ministers of Hasina's cabinet were arrested, on the run or believed to have fled the country since the ouster of the regime. The Jamaat opposed Bangladesh's 1971 independence from Pakistan and sided with the Pakistani troops during the Liberation War. The Jamaat, founded in 1941 in undivided India, was first banned in 1972, the year Bangladesh framed its Constitution, which disbanded the functioning of any association, union or political party based on religion. But the subsequent military government led by General Ziaur Rahman revoked the ban by issuing a martial law proclamation, which allowed Jamaat to refloat and years later became a crucial partner of the then prime minister Khaleda Zia's 2001-2006 four-party alliance government. Two senior Jamaat leaders were inducted into her cabinet. The Jamaat remained active despite losing its registration and being barred from elections due to court rulings. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bangladesh's interim government lifts ban on Jamaat-e-Islami 

Sheikh Hasina's son questions circumstances of journalist's death

GTV newsroom editor's body found in a Lake in Dhaka

Fundamentalists attacked and vandalized the houses of Hindus in Miranjali Colony of Dhaka. The mob pelted stones at the houses of Hindus. Along with houses, temples have also been targeted, temples have been vandalized.

Bangladesh unrest: Mobs vandalised the houses of Hindus in Dhaka's Miranjali Colony

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others. The case involves the killing of a grocery shop owner, identified as Abu Sayed, who was killed during police firing in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on July 19, at the peak of the unrest that concluded with&nbsp;Hasina's exit from Dhaka.

The incident occurred during a rally&nbsp;in support of&nbsp;the anti-reservation movement in the Bosila area, Bangladesh's Daily Star publication has reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-concerned-jaishankar-to-rajya-sabha-on-state-of-bangladesh-minorities-after-sheikh-hasinas-exit-747668">'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit</a>

Along with Hasina, the names of&nbsp;Awami League&nbsp;General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three former top police officials have been mentioned as co-accused.

This marks the first legal case against&nbsp;Hasina since she resigned from office and fled to India on August 5. The complaint was lodged by Amir Hamza Shatil, a resident of Mohammadpur, who claims to be a well-wisher of the victim and a Bangladeshi citizen. Shatil stated that he took it upon himself to file the case as the victim's family lacked the means to pursue legal action.

The court hearing for the case is scheduled for Tuesday (August 14) afternoon.

Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh unrest: Former PM Hasina hints at US role behind her ouster

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This development comes amid discussions within the Bangladesh interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over Hasina's potential repatriation. The interim foreign ministry has suggested that it consider taking steps to bring her back if the law ministry requests it.

Interim government foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that any action by the foreign ministry would be contingent on such a request.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim government has asserted that the ousted PM's&nbsp;presence in India will not impact the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Hossain said that mutual interests drive bilateral relations and are not influenced by the presence of any single individual in either country.

“Bilateral relations is an important issue…it's built on mutual interest,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others.

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others. The case involves the killing of a grocery shop owner, identified as Abu Sayed, who was killed during police firing in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on July 19, at the peak of the unrest that concluded with Hasina's exit from Dhaka. The incident occurred during a rally in support of the anti-reservation movement in the Bosila area, Bangladesh's Daily Star publication has reported. Also read | 'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit Along with Hasina, the names of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three former top police officials have been mentioned as co-accused. This marks the first legal case against Hasina since she resigned from office and fled to India on August 5. The complaint was lodged by Amir Hamza Shatil, a resident of Mohammadpur, who claims to be a well-wisher of the victim and a Bangladeshi citizen. Shatil stated that he took it upon himself to file the case as the victim's family lacked the means to pursue legal action. The court hearing for the case is scheduled for Tuesday (August 14) afternoon. Also watch | Bangladesh unrest: Former PM Hasina hints at US role behind her ouster × This development comes amid discussions within the Bangladesh interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over Hasina's potential repatriation. The interim foreign ministry has suggested that it consider taking steps to bring her back if the law ministry requests it. Interim government foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that any action by the foreign ministry would be contingent on such a request. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim government has asserted that the ousted PM's presence in India will not impact the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Hossain said that mutual interests drive bilateral relations and are not influenced by the presence of any single individual in either country. “Bilateral relations is an important issue…it's built on mutual interest,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh former PM Sheikh Hasina booked for murder of Dhaka grocer

Bangladesh appeared calm on Monday (July 22) amid a curfew, but widespread disruption of telecoms prevailed a day after the Supreme Court scrapped some quotas for government jobs that sparked protests this month that killed scores. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh PM Hasina blames BNP for instigating protesters, students demand govt to release leaders

News channels in Bangladesh were off the air and telecommunications were widely disrupted. Violent student protests against quotas for government jobs are raging in Bangladesh. Watch this video for all details.

Bangladesh anti-quota protests: 50 dead, nationwide Bandh & internet shutdown

Bangladesh students have set fire to the country's state television station. Ten people died in student clashes with police on Thursday in Dhaka taking the death toll to 16. The nationwide agitation is the biggest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected for a fourth time. Why are students up against the Sheikh Hasina government? Protesters are demanding the removal of the quota system in government jobs.

Bangladesh anti-quota protests, death toll rises to 16

Bangladesh's deadliest executioner, who hanged some of the country's notorious criminals including serial killers as well as politicians, died on Monday (June 24), a year after he was released from jail.

Shahjahan Bouya was released from prison in June 2023 after which he wrote a book detailing his experiences as a hangman which emerged as a top seller.

The 74-year-old also briefly married a girl who was 50 years younger to him, and in recent weeks became a viral sensation on TikTok after he uploaded short videos with teenage girls.

According to police, he complained of chest pain on Monday morning and was immediately rushed to Dhaka's Suhrawardy Hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital, the doctors declared Bouya dead, said the police station chief in Dhaka.

"He was brought in dead -- &nbsp;doctors haven't ascertained the actual cause of his death," Sajib Dey, a police station chief in Dhaka, told news agency AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-expresses-strong-reservation-in-letter-to-pm-modi-over-teesta-talks-with-bangladesh-734758">Mamata expresses 'strong reservation' in letter to PM Modi over Teesta talks with Bangladesh</a>

"He had breathing difficulties," Abul Kashem, Bouya's landlord, told AFP. "He rented one of our rooms only 15 days ago. He lived alone".

Bouya was serving a 42-year jail term over a murder.

However, the hangings he did in the prison led to his early release from Dhaka's top jail in 2023.

As per the prison authorities, Bouya held a total of 26 executions, however, he said that he participated in 60.&nbsp;

The ones who died at his hand included military officers who were found guilty of plotting a coup in the year 1975 and killing the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's father.

He launched his book in February, detailing his years as a hangman that immediately garnered people's attention and became a bestseller at Bangladesh's largest annual book fair.

His 96-page book narrated the procedure of hanging by ropes that the country adopted from the British colonial rulers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh's deadliest executioner, who hanged some of the country's notorious criminals including serial killers as well as politicians, died on Monday (June 24), a year after he was released from jail.

Bangladesh's deadliest executioner, who hanged some of the country's notorious criminals including serial killers as well as politicians, died on Monday (June 24), a year after he was released from jail. Shahjahan Bouya was released from prison in June 2023 after which he wrote a book detailing his experiences as a hangman which emerged as a top seller. The 74-year-old also briefly married a girl who was 50 years younger to him, and in recent weeks became a viral sensation on TikTok after he uploaded short videos with teenage girls. According to police, he complained of chest pain on Monday morning and was immediately rushed to Dhaka's Suhrawardy Hospital. Upon reaching the hospital, the doctors declared Bouya dead, said the police station chief in Dhaka. "He was brought in dead -- doctors haven't ascertained the actual cause of his death," Sajib Dey, a police station chief in Dhaka, told news agency AFP. Also read: Mamata expresses 'strong reservation' in letter to PM Modi over Teesta talks with Bangladesh "He had breathing difficulties," Abul Kashem, Bouya's landlord, told AFP. "He rented one of our rooms only 15 days ago. He lived alone". Bouya was serving a 42-year jail term over a murder. However, the hangings he did in the prison led to his early release from Dhaka's top jail in 2023. As per the prison authorities, Bouya held a total of 26 executions, however, he said that he participated in 60. The ones who died at his hand included military officers who were found guilty of plotting a coup in the year 1975 and killing the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's father. He launched his book in February, detailing his years as a hangman that immediately garnered people's attention and became a bestseller at Bangladesh's largest annual book fair. His 96-page book narrated the procedure of hanging by ropes that the country adopted from the British colonial rulers. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh's deadliest executioner, who hanged most notorious serial killers, dies

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made explosive revelations on the attempt to tamper with the country's election in an interview to the Daily Star. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh PM Hasina's big revelation on polls, says 'offered re-election in return for airbase'

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country.

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country. Extensive scientific research has found climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent, and more intense. Bangladesh's weather bureau says that average maximum temperatures in the capital Dhaka over the past week have been 4-5 degrees Celsius (7.2-9 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the 30-year average for the same period. Muslim worshippers gathered in city mosques and rural fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat, which forecasters expect to continue for at least another week. "Praying for rains is a tradition of our prophet. We repented for our sins and prayed for his blessings for rains," Muhammad Abu Yusuf, an Islamic cleric who led a morning prayer service for 1,000 people in central Dhaka, told AFP. "Life has become unbearable due to lack of rains," he said. "Poor people are suffering immensely." Police said similarly sized prayer services were held in several other parts of Bangladesh. The country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, issued a statement calling its members to join the prayer services planned for Wednesday and Thursday. Authorities ordered all schools last week to cancel classes until the end of the month. The UN children's agency said it was "urging parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe" through the heatwave. "The severity of this heatwave underscores the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change," UNICEF said in a statement. Temperatures across Bangladesh have reached more than 42C (108F) in the past week. "April is usually the hottest month in Bangladesh. But this April has been one of the hottest since the country's independence (in 1971)," government forecaster Tariful Newaz Kabir told AFP. Kabir said fewer rainstorms than average for the period had contributed to the heat. "We expect the high temperature will remain until the end of this month," he said. Hospitals in the southern coastal district of Patuakhali had recorded local outbreaks of diarrhoea due to higher temperatures and the resulting increased salinity of local water sources, state medical officer Bhupen Chandra Mondal told AFP. "The number of diarrhoea patients is very high this year," he said. "This is all linked to climate change."

Thousands in heatwave-hit Bangladesh pray for rain

A massive fire in Bangladesh erupted at a Dhaka restaurant killing 46 people. Bangladesh has a history of such infernos in commercial buildings - in Dhaka and outside. Booming domestic industry often means buildings where inadequate safety measures often go unchecked. The South Asian Nation has seen some of the worst building blazes in the world in recent years, the question is when will authorities wake up?

Dhaka fire tragedy: What's causing Bangladesh's repeated fire incidents?

At least 40 people have been killed after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Bangladesh, the country's health minister says.

Bangladesh: 10 declared dead in Main burns hospital after fire in Dhaka restaurant

Bangladesh fire: Over 40 dead in Dhaka building blaze

At least 46&nbsp;people were killed, and numerous others sustained injuries as a massive fire broke out in a seven-story building in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka late Thursday (Feb 29).

The fire department's Mohammad Shihab reportedly said that the blaze erupted in a popular biryani restaurant on Bailey Road around 9:50 pm local time. Later, it swiftly engulfed the upper floors, trapping numerous people who were present at the incident site.

After efforts by firefighters, they were able to bring the blaze under control within two hours. They also managed to rescue 75 individuals from the building, according to the fire service.

Bangladesh's Health Minister, Samanta Lal Sen, confirmed the grim toll, stating, "So far 43&nbsp;people have died from the fire." Sen said that about 40 injured individuals were receiving medical attention at the main burn hospital, and visited the medical facility as well as Dhaka Medical College Hospital nearby to take stock of the situation.&nbsp;

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Survivors recounted harrowing tales of escape, with one restaurant manager named Sohel reportedly describing the chaotic scene, "We were at the sixth floor when we first saw smoke racing through the staircase. A lot of people rushed upstairs. We used a water pipe to climb down the building. Some of us were injured as they jumped from upstairs."&nbsp;

Others found themselves stranded on the rooftop, issuing desperate pleas for assistance.

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A professor of environmental science Kamruzzaman Majumdar chronicled the ordeal on social media, writing, "Alhamdulillah. We are sending down all women and children including my wife and children. We all men are on the rooftop. Fire service stands beside us. Fifty yet to be down." Fortunately, he was eventually rescued from the devastating blaze.&nbsp;

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Tragically, such incidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh. Slipshod enforcement of safety regulations often exacerbates the risk of fires in residential and commercial structures in the country.

<h2>Earlier incidents&nbsp;</h2>

In past years, similar catastrophes have claimed numerous lives, including a fire at a food processing factory in July 2021 that resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals, and a blaze in several Dhaka apartment blocks in February 2019, which claimed the lives of 70 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 46 people were killed, and numerous others sustained injuries as a massive fire broke out in a seven-story building in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka late Thursday (Feb 29).

At least 46 people were killed, and numerous others sustained injuries as a massive fire broke out in a seven-story building in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka late Thursday (Feb 29). The fire department's Mohammad Shihab reportedly said that the blaze erupted in a popular biryani restaurant on Bailey Road around 9:50 pm local time. Later, it swiftly engulfed the upper floors, trapping numerous people who were present at the incident site. After efforts by firefighters, they were able to bring the blaze under control within two hours. They also managed to rescue 75 individuals from the building, according to the fire service. Bangladesh's Health Minister, Samanta Lal Sen, confirmed the grim toll, stating, "So far 43 people have died from the fire." Sen said that about 40 injured individuals were receiving medical attention at the main burn hospital, and visited the medical facility as well as Dhaka Medical College Hospital nearby to take stock of the situation. Also Read | Netanyahu says military operation to continue until ‘total victory’ as death toll in Gaza crosses 30,000-mark Survivors recounted harrowing tales of escape, with one restaurant manager named Sohel reportedly describing the chaotic scene, "We were at the sixth floor when we first saw smoke racing through the staircase. A lot of people rushed upstairs. We used a water pipe to climb down the building. Some of us were injured as they jumped from upstairs." Others found themselves stranded on the rooftop, issuing desperate pleas for assistance. Also Read | US regulators give Boeing 90 days to provide quality control plan A professor of environmental science Kamruzzaman Majumdar chronicled the ordeal on social media, writing, "Alhamdulillah. We are sending down all women and children including my wife and children. We all men are on the rooftop. Fire service stands beside us. Fifty yet to be down." Fortunately, he was eventually rescued from the devastating blaze. Watch | Gravitas | Idaho fails to execute serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech × Tragically, such incidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh. Slipshod enforcement of safety regulations often exacerbates the risk of fires in residential and commercial structures in the country. Earlier incidents In past years, similar catastrophes have claimed numerous lives, including a fire at a food processing factory in July 2021 that resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals, and a blaze in several Dhaka apartment blocks in February 2019, which claimed the lives of 70 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh: 46 killed, several injured in devastating Dhaka building fire

Bangladesh: Blaze engulfs seven-storey building in Dhaka, over 22 critical patients being treated

More than 45 people were killed and dozens injured after a fire blazed through a seven-story building in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. The fire originated in a popular biryani restaurant in Dhaka's Bailey Road.

Bangladesh Restaurant Fire: More than 45 killed, cause under investigation

At least 45 people were killed and dozens injured after a fire blazed through a seven-story building in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. The fire originated in a popular biryani restaurant in Dhaka's Bailey Road.

Bangladesh restaurant fire kills at least 45, injures dozens

A massive fire broke out at a seven-story building in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka. As per reports, the blaze erupted in a popular biryani restaurant on Bailey Road. Later, it swiftly engulfed the upper floors, trapping numerous people who were present at the site.

Bangladesh: Over 45 killed, many injured in devastating Dhaka building fire

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message to neighbouring India on the day of polling, hailed New Delhi as a "trusted friend".

''We are very lucky...India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India," she said.

The Bangladesh PM then went on to describe how she spent years living in exile in India when her family was killed in the 1975 massacre.

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&nbsp;

She later went back to Bangladesh and took over the leadership of the Awami League.

Following her vote in Sunday's general elections, Hasina underlined the value of democracy for the nation's progress and stated that her administration had previously established citizens' democratic rights.

"Our country is sovereign and independent...We have a big population. We have established people's democratic rights...I want to make sure that democracy should continue in this country and without democracy, you can't make any development. As we are a long-term democratic system from 2009 to 2023, that is why Bangladesh made this much of an achievement," she said.

She also highlighted that her government created an atmosphere where people could come out and vote.

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She stated, "My heartfelt thanks to the people of Bangladesh. There were many obstacles but the people of our country are very much aware of their voting rights and the need for polls...We were able to create an atmosphere where people were able to come out and vote."

<h2>Confident brotherly relations with India will continue: Bangladesh Home Minister</h2>

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan expressed confidence in Sheikh Hasina's leadership and said that the type of 'brotherly relation' will continue with New Delhi upon Hasina's potential return to power.

"I am confident (of winning) because we did many things. The people love Sheikh Hasina."

He also said: "...We have received support from the inception of Bangladesh...I know what cooperation we received from India. So, we believe that this type of brotherly relation will continue."

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message to neighbouring India on the day of polling, hailed New Delhi as a "trusted friend". ''We are very lucky.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message to neighbouring India on the day of polling, hailed New Delhi as a "trusted friend". ''We are very lucky...India is our trusted friend. During our Liberation War, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our best wishes to the people of India," she said. The Bangladesh PM then went on to describe how she spent years living in exile in India when her family was killed in the 1975 massacre. #WATCH | Dhaka: In her message to India, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says, ''You are most welcome. We are very lucky...India is our trusted friend. During our liberation war, they supported us...After 1975, when we lost our whole family...they gave us shelter. So our… pic.twitter.com/3Z0NC5BVeD — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024 × She later went back to Bangladesh and took over the leadership of the Awami League. Following her vote in Sunday's general elections, Hasina underlined the value of democracy for the nation's progress and stated that her administration had previously established citizens' democratic rights. "Our country is sovereign and independent...We have a big population. We have established people's democratic rights...I want to make sure that democracy should continue in this country and without democracy, you can't make any development. As we are a long-term democratic system from 2009 to 2023, that is why Bangladesh made this much of an achievement," she said. She also highlighted that her government created an atmosphere where people could come out and vote. Also read: Bangladesh elections: Newspaper’s website back online after it was reportedly blocked She stated, "My heartfelt thanks to the people of Bangladesh. There were many obstacles but the people of our country are very much aware of their voting rights and the need for polls...We were able to create an atmosphere where people were able to come out and vote." Confident brotherly relations with India will continue: Bangladesh Home Minister Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan expressed confidence in Sheikh Hasina's leadership and said that the type of 'brotherly relation' will continue with New Delhi upon Hasina's potential return to power. "I am confident (of winning) because we did many things. The people love Sheikh Hasina." He also said: "...We have received support from the inception of Bangladesh...I know what cooperation we received from India. So, we believe that this type of brotherly relation will continue." (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as ‘trusted friend’

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen condemned the Benapole Express arson calling it an "unforgivable crime against humanity". Four people, including two children, died and many more were injured in the incident.

Bangladesh: 5 killed in Bangladesh train fire, police suspect arson ahead of polls

While Dhaka’s cycle rickshaws are head-turners with their kitschy hand-painted art, their creators are in danger of fading away in a changing Bangladesh.

Dhaka’s cycle rickshaw art: A disappearing legacy

2024 Bangladesh general election: Bangladesh's main opposition party urged voters on Wednesday to boycott next year's general election. The BNP reiterated demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. BNP called the upcoming election a "one-sided dummy election".

2024 Bangladesh general election: Why is opposition calling for a boycott of the January election?

There is some good news for Bangladesh struggling with surging inflation, falling import cover and a weak currency ahead of the country's January elections. The international monetary fund's board approved its first review of Bangladesh's $4.7 billion bailout package. Dhaka will get $689.8 million in funds to combat its economic crisis.

IMF approves bailout of Bangladesh | World Business Watch

Glenn Phillips hit an aggressive 87 to keep New Zealand in the game on day three of a finely poised rain-hit second and final Test against Bangladesh on Friday. All-rounder Phillips lifted New Zealand from a precarious 55-5 at the start of the day to 180 all out in response to Bangladesh's first innings total of 172 in Dhaka. Bangladesh wiped out the eight-run deficit to reach 38-2 when bad light forced early stumps, with 37 overs remaining on the day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Opener Zakir Hasan was batting on 16 with Mominul Haque on nought.

Spinner Ajaz Patel removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for two in the first over and skipper Tim Southee took down his Bangladesh counterpart Najmul Hasan Shanto for 15. "I think it played pretty similar to how it played on day one, bit of spin, bit of skid," Phillips told reporters.

"If you are only going to be out there for so many balls... you've got to score with the ones that are available. So obviously it's a good challenge." Bangladesh hope to set a target of around 200 runs. "I think the longer we can bat, the better it is for us. If we can score 200-220 runs, we can defend," said spinner Nayeem Hasan. Play resumed Friday after four sessions -- one in the morning -- were washed out because of rain with New Zealand trailing Bangladesh by 117 runs.

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Phillips came to the rescue with nine fours and four sixes in his defiant 72-ball knock. He put on a 55-run eighth-wicket stand with Kyle Jamieson (20) and stood strong till his departure. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam picked up three wickets each for Bangladesh. Nayeem Hasan and Shoriful Islam claimed two wickets apiece.

Phillips and fellow overnight batsman Daryl Mitchell took an aggressive approach and were rewarded with a stand of 49 for the sixth wicket, before Bangladesh had their first success of the day. Mehidy took a superb catch, running to his left from mid-on and diving at full length to dismiss Mitchell for 18 off Nayeem.&nbsp;

Nayeem removed Mitchell Santner in his next over but Jamieson helped claw back the momentum towards New Zealand before his dismissal by Shoriful. Shoriful then forced Phillips to edge a catch behind the stumps before Taijul wrapped up the New Zealand innings with the wicket of Southee (14).&nbsp;

Fifteen wickets fell on the first day but no ball was bowled on the second day after constant rain in the national capital. The hosts, chasing a first-ever series win over the Black Caps, lead the two-Test series 1-0 after a 150-run victory in Sylhet.

Glenn Phillips hit an aggressive 87 to keep New Zealand in the game on day three of a finely poised rain-hit second and final Test against Bangladesh on Friday. All-rounder Phillips lifted New Zealand from a precarious 55-5 at the start of the day to 180 all out in response to Bangladesh's first innings total of 172 in Dhaka.

Glenn Phillips hit an aggressive 87 to keep New Zealand in the game on day three of a finely poised rain-hit second and final Test against Bangladesh on Friday. All-rounder Phillips lifted New Zealand from a precarious 55-5 at the start of the day to 180 all out in response to Bangladesh's first innings total of 172 in Dhaka. Bangladesh wiped out the eight-run deficit to reach 38-2 when bad light forced early stumps, with 37 overs remaining on the day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Opener Zakir Hasan was batting on 16 with Mominul Haque on nought. Spinner Ajaz Patel removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for two in the first over and skipper Tim Southee took down his Bangladesh counterpart Najmul Hasan Shanto for 15. "I think it played pretty similar to how it played on day one, bit of spin, bit of skid," Phillips told reporters. "If you are only going to be out there for so many balls... you've got to score with the ones that are available. So obviously it's a good challenge." Bangladesh hope to set a target of around 200 runs. "I think the longer we can bat, the better it is for us. If we can score 200-220 runs, we can defend," said spinner Nayeem Hasan. Play resumed Friday after four sessions -- one in the morning -- were washed out because of rain with New Zealand trailing Bangladesh by 117 runs. Also Read: Golf: Rory McIlroy urges for Ryder Cup rule change following Rahm's LIV move Phillips came to the rescue with nine fours and four sixes in his defiant 72-ball knock. He put on a 55-run eighth-wicket stand with Kyle Jamieson (20) and stood strong till his departure. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam picked up three wickets each for Bangladesh. Nayeem Hasan and Shoriful Islam claimed two wickets apiece. Phillips and fellow overnight batsman Daryl Mitchell took an aggressive approach and were rewarded with a stand of 49 for the sixth wicket, before Bangladesh had their first success of the day. Mehidy took a superb catch, running to his left from mid-on and diving at full length to dismiss Mitchell for 18 off Nayeem. Nayeem removed Mitchell Santner in his next over but Jamieson helped claw back the momentum towards New Zealand before his dismissal by Shoriful. Shoriful then forced Phillips to edge a catch behind the stumps before Taijul wrapped up the New Zealand innings with the wicket of Southee (14). Fifteen wickets fell on the first day but no ball was bowled on the second day after constant rain in the national capital. The hosts, chasing a first-ever series win over the Black Caps, lead the two-Test series 1-0 after a 150-run victory in Sylhet.

BAN vs NZ 2nd Test day: Glenn Phillips helps New Zealand fightback against Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday (Nov 16) announced a nationwide strike for 48 hours beginning from Sunday (Nov 19) in order to protest against the decision taken by the Election Commission (EC) for the next general elections due on January 7, 2024, as per local media reports.

BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the announcement at a virtual media briefing on Wednesday evening.

The closure will start at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 19) and will conclude at 6 pm on Tuesday (Nov 21).

Rizvi further said that this strike was also aimed at mounting pressure on the government to step down on giving power to a neutral government and free the arrested BNP leaders and workers, including its secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Other opposition parties like Gono Odhikar Parishad and Labour Party also announced to enforce a 48-hour strike during the same period.

"Everybody in Bangladesh knows the outcome of this election," Abdul Moyeen Khan, member of the highest policy-making body of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), told news agency Reuters on Thursday.

"What's the point in becoming a part of that drama? There is no point in going to a meaningless election. Democracy is dead in Bangladesh."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-heavy-duty-drilling-machine-begins-creating-escape-passage-659399">Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Drilling machine begins creating escape passage</a>

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, on Wednesday (Nov 15), in a televised speech announced that the general elections in Bangladesh will be held on January 7, 2024.

<h2>Violent protests in Bangladesh&nbsp;</h2>

The announcement came amid violent protests&nbsp;staged by opposition parties demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a caretaker government to take over.

Since October 28, at least four people, including a policeman, were killed and hundreds injured in violent protests.

Local media reports stated that around 8,000 opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown.

Hasina has tightly ruled the South Asian country since coming to power in 2009. However, her rule has been widely criticised for human rights violations, cracking down on free speech and suppressing dissent while jailing her critics.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday (Nov 16) announced a nationwide strike for 48 hours beginning from Sunday (Nov 19) in order to protest against the decision taken by the Election Commission (EC) for the next general elections due on January 7, 2024, as per local media reports.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday (Nov 16) announced a nationwide strike for 48 hours beginning from Sunday (Nov 19) in order to protest against the decision taken by the Election Commission (EC) for the next general elections due on January 7, 2024, as per local media reports. BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the announcement at a virtual media briefing on Wednesday evening. The closure will start at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 19) and will conclude at 6 pm on Tuesday (Nov 21). Rizvi further said that this strike was also aimed at mounting pressure on the government to step down on giving power to a neutral government and free the arrested BNP leaders and workers, including its secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Other opposition parties like Gono Odhikar Parishad and Labour Party also announced to enforce a 48-hour strike during the same period. "Everybody in Bangladesh knows the outcome of this election," Abdul Moyeen Khan, member of the highest policy-making body of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), told news agency Reuters on Thursday. "What's the point in becoming a part of that drama? There is no point in going to a meaningless election. Democracy is dead in Bangladesh." Also read: Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Drilling machine begins creating escape passage Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, on Wednesday (Nov 15), in a televised speech announced that the general elections in Bangladesh will be held on January 7, 2024. Violent protests in Bangladesh The announcement came amid violent protests staged by opposition parties demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a caretaker government to take over. Since October 28, at least four people, including a policeman, were killed and hundreds injured in violent protests. Local media reports stated that around 8,000 opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown. Hasina has tightly ruled the South Asian country since coming to power in 2009. However, her rule has been widely criticised for human rights violations, cracking down on free speech and suppressing dissent while jailing her critics. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh opposition parties call 48-hour nationwide strike, demand cancellation of polls

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