Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protests-erupt-in-dhaka-after-polls-date-clashes-with-saraswati-puja-274447">ahead of elections</a> in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms.

These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds.

The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-on-monday-ordered-operators-to-shut-down-mobile-phone-services-to-almost-one-million-rohingya-refugees-living-in-camps-in-the-countrys-southeast-an-official-said-247315">worst in the world</a>.

"The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group.

Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO).

Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable.

"We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-factories-ordered-shut-to-save-key-river-275835">In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down</a>

Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday.

But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people.

Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls.

"We will separately manage it," he added. 
&nbsp;

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil.

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds. The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the worst in the world. "The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group. Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. "We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said. Also Read: In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday. But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people. Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls. "We will separately manage it," he added.

Bangladesh capital awash with plastic-coated posters

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-imran-khan-was-trolled-by-netziens-again-277426">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports.

The clarification was issued after news reports claimed the prime minister's gross salary would be increased from Rs 2,01,574 to around Rs 8,00,000.

"At a time when the prime minister was carrying out a campaign to slash the government's expenditures, the propagation of such a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-draws-flak-for-saying-his-davos-trip-was-funded-by-businessmen-friends-276619">baseless and concocted news report</a> was unfortunate," the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Khan recently said he could not manage his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imrans-salary-not-enough-to-run-household-wion-accesses-pak-pms-salary-slip-275968">household expenses</a> from his official salary, the report said.

"We have reduced the expenses of the Prime Minister House by 40 per cent. I live in my own home, pay my expenses. My (official) salary is not enough to cover the expenses of my household," Khan said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-get-salary-hike-cabinet-to-hold-meeting-276911">Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting</a>

He has also claimed that his foreign visits have cost the exchequer 10 times less than his predecessors. Khan said his visit to Switzerland earlier in the month for the World Economic Forum was the "cheapest" by a Pakistani state leader.

Khan said his trip was sponsored by two businessmen.

According to The News, Khan earned Rs 1,96,979 after deductions, as per his February 2019 payslip.

The Pakistan government has been implementing austerity measures to improve the country's finances.

In July last year, Pakistan registered a currency reserve of less than $8 billion - enough to cover only 1.7 months of imports. In August 2018, Pakistan approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package after the Khan government took over.

The IMF formally approved the $6 billion loan to Pakistan in July 2019, citing "significant" economic challenges.

Pakistan has so far received billions in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of Prime Minister Imran Khan getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports.

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of Prime Minister Imran Khan getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports. The clarification was issued after news reports claimed the prime minister's gross salary would be increased from Rs 2,01,574 to around Rs 8,00,000. "At a time when the prime minister was carrying out a campaign to slash the government's expenditures, the propagation of such a baseless and concocted news report was unfortunate," the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said in a statement. Khan recently said he could not manage his household expenses from his official salary, the report said. "We have reduced the expenses of the Prime Minister House by 40 per cent. I live in my own home, pay my expenses. My (official) salary is not enough to cover the expenses of my household," Khan said. Also Read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting He has also claimed that his foreign visits have cost the exchequer 10 times less than his predecessors. Khan said his visit to Switzerland earlier in the month for the World Economic Forum was the "cheapest" by a Pakistani state leader. Khan said his trip was sponsored by two businessmen. According to The News, Khan earned Rs 1,96,979 after deductions, as per his February 2019 payslip. The Pakistan government has been implementing austerity measures to improve the country's finances. In July last year, Pakistan registered a currency reserve of less than $8 billion - enough to cover only 1.7 months of imports. In August 2018, Pakistan approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package after the Khan government took over. The IMF formally approved the $6 billion loan to Pakistan in July 2019, citing "significant" economic challenges. Pakistan has so far received billions in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

Pakistan government dismisses reports of four-fold pay hike for PM Imran Khan

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-critical-picture-in-restaurant-goes-viral-274259">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a> to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported.

In a letter written by the provincial Home Department, dated January 28, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-decision-to-extend-nawaz-sharifs-stay-abroad-due-next-week-270782">Sharif </a>has been asked to submit the requisite reports, failing&nbsp;which the concerned authorities would decide on his application, seeking an extension of his stay abroad, based on existing records.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/forced-conversions-grow-in-pakistan-minorities-face-discrimination-277229">Forced conversions grow in Pakistan, Minorities face discrimination</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-punjab-govt-constitutes-committee-to-decide-on-nawazs-stay-abroad-270263">Sharif </a>had gone to London in November 2019 after the government gave him one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds.

In December, last year, the former Prime Minister had sought an extension in his stay abroad on the expiry of the four weeks granted by the Lahore High Court.

Earlier this month, a picture of Sharif at a restaurant in London had gone viral following which Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government leaders have raised questions over the 'critical' nature of his health.

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported.

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported. In a letter written by the provincial Home Department, dated January 28, Sharif has been asked to submit the requisite reports, failing which the concerned authorities would decide on his application, seeking an extension of his stay abroad, based on existing records. Also Read: Forced conversions grow in Pakistan, Minorities face discrimination Sharif had gone to London in November 2019 after the government gave him one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds. In December, last year, the former Prime Minister had sought an extension in his stay abroad on the expiry of the four weeks granted by the Lahore High Court. Earlier this month, a picture of Sharif at a restaurant in London had gone viral following which Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government leaders have raised questions over the 'critical' nature of his health.

Pak: Punjab govt seeks fresh medical reports from Nawaz Sharif within 3 days

Narendra Modi on Thursday termed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/troops-in-north-east-would-be-reduced-after-bodoland-elections-says-army-chief-naravane-277221">Bodo agreement</a> as a historic chapter for peace and development in Assam, which sends a clear message that solution to issues is possible by leaving the path of violence and reposing faith in democracy and Constitution.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi said that the agreement is inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas' and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat'. "As India remembers pujya Bapu on his punya tithi, Assam is witnessing a historic chapter for peace and development. After a wait of 50 years, agreement with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-extends-ban-on-assams-bodo-insurgent-group-ndfb-for-5-more-years-264229">our Bodo friends</a> heralds a new beginning. It will strengthen Assam's unity, bring development and usher in a bright future," Modi said.

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The accord with our Bodo friends was made while protecting the interest of other communities of Assam. This is a victory for all, it's victory for humanity. It is inspired by the mantraof 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas &amp; Sabka Vishwas', &amp; by the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat'.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1222807352962715648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He said that after signing the historic agreement with Bodo organisations, the foremost priority of the government is the development of Bodo areas and work has begun on a comprehensive Rs 1,500 crore package.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bodo-accord-will-usher-in-a-new-dawn-of-peace-harmony-and-togetherness-pm-modi-276933">Bodo Accord will usher in a new dawn of peace, harmony and togetherness: PM Modi</a>

"Our special focus will be on ease of living and ensuring that Bodos benefit fully from government schemes," he said. "Bodo friends joining us on the path of peace sends a clear message that solution to issues is possible when we leave the path of violence and repose faith in democracy and Constitution. I welcome my Bodo friends to the mainstream. We are committed to ensuring the development of Bodo areas," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the accord with Bodo friends "is a message to Assam and other violence-affected parts of the country. Nation's development can be given momentum only in an environment free of violence and fear. Happy that entire energy of our Bodo friends will further strengthen Assam's development," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the accord was made while protecting the interest of other communities of Assam. He said the five-decade-old Bodo issue has found a resolution on the death anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi.

"The accord between the Bodo groups and government will strengthen the unity and integrity of Assam. I welcome the decision of my Bodo friends for leaving violence and reposing faith in democracy and Constitution," he said.

"This is a victory for all. It's a victory for humanity. It is inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas &amp; Sabka Vishwas', &amp; by the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat'," he said in a tweet.

Narendra Modi on Thursday termed the Bodo agreement as a historic chapter for peace and development in Assam, which sends a clear message that solution to issues is possible by leaving the path of violence and reposing faith in democracy and Constitution.

Narendra Modi on Thursday termed the Bodo agreement as a historic chapter for peace and development in Assam, which sends a clear message that solution to issues is possible by leaving the path of violence and reposing faith in democracy and Constitution. In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi said that the agreement is inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas' and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat'. "As India remembers pujya Bapu on his punya tithi, Assam is witnessing a historic chapter for peace and development. After a wait of 50 years, agreement with our Bodo friends heralds a new beginning. It will strengthen Assam's unity, bring development and usher in a bright future," Modi said. The accord with our Bodo friends was made while protecting the interest of other communities of Assam. This is a victory for all, it's victory for humanity. It is inspired by the mantraof 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas & Sabka Vishwas', & by the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat'. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2020 × He said that after signing the historic agreement with Bodo organisations, the foremost priority of the government is the development of Bodo areas and work has begun on a comprehensive Rs 1,500 crore package. Also Read: Bodo Accord will usher in a new dawn of peace, harmony and togetherness: PM Modi "Our special focus will be on ease of living and ensuring that Bodos benefit fully from government schemes," he said. "Bodo friends joining us on the path of peace sends a clear message that solution to issues is possible when we leave the path of violence and repose faith in democracy and Constitution. I welcome my Bodo friends to the mainstream. We are committed to ensuring the development of Bodo areas," he said. The Prime Minister said that the accord with Bodo friends "is a message to Assam and other violence-affected parts of the country. Nation's development can be given momentum only in an environment free of violence and fear. Happy that entire energy of our Bodo friends will further strengthen Assam's development," he said. The Prime Minister said that the accord was made while protecting the interest of other communities of Assam. He said the five-decade-old Bodo issue has found a resolution on the death anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi. "The accord between the Bodo groups and government will strengthen the unity and integrity of Assam. I welcome the decision of my Bodo friends for leaving violence and reposing faith in democracy and Constitution," he said. "This is a victory for all. It's a victory for humanity. It is inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas & Sabka Vishwas', & by the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat'," he said in a tweet.

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Bangladesh capital awash with plastic-coated posters

Pakistan government dismisses reports of four-fold pay hike for PM Imran Khan

Pak: Punjab govt seeks fresh medical reports from Nawaz Sharif within 3 days

Latest South Asia News - Prime Minister Modi: Bodo agreement sends message that solution to issues lies in abjuring violence