At least 27 people have been burned in yet another arson attack on a bus by suspected blockade supporters in capital Dhaka, police say.

Arson attack in Dhaka leaves at least 27 people burned


The incident took place at Jatrabarhi around 9:30pm on Friday, said Jatrabarhi Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Emranul Islam.

The BNP and its smaller partners are sponsoring the transport blockade since Jan 5 and it has been spewing deadly violence.

Those admitted at the hospital's burns unit were identified as Joynal Abedin Molla, 30, Salahuddin Polash, 40, 'Shahid', 30, Taqdir Islam, 28, 'Salman', 20, 'Nazmul', 25, Mosharraf Hossain, 40, 'Salahuddin', 40, 'Sahida', 26, Yasir Arafat, 25, 'Rashed', 22, 'Momen', 28, 'Khokan', 25, 'Haris', 25, Nure Alam, 30, Shahjahan Sardar, 60, Jamir Ali, 40, 'Tanvir', 20, Abu Miah, 50, Al Amin, 25, 'Shahidul', 45, Abdul Mannan, 60, Mozaffar Molla, 'Sumon', 'Faruq', and 'Rubel'.

SI Islam told that the bus caught fire after miscreants hurled Molotov cocktails at it in Mollar Bridge area.

At least 29 injured including the 27 who were burned were taken to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).

Doctors there were unable to immediately determine the levels of burns these injured sustained.

Two others --'Afroza', 30, and Ishtiaq Mohammad Babar, 32, -- with different injuries were also admitted at the DMCH.

Some of the injured said they had only heard a loud bang and then the bus going to Narayanganj's Rupganj was on fire.

Fire Service control room official Ataur Rahman earlier said two fire-fighting units dispatched immediately had put out the fire.

Amid frequent bomb and arson attacks on vehicles, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the police chief to arrest troublemakers quickly.

Prime minister asks police chief to arrest troublemakers quickly

Handmade and petrol bombs were charged at a police vehicle on Saturday in the capital. The attack left five policemen injured.

Her instructions came on Sunday after she visited Constable Shamim Miah at Dhaka's Square Hospital.

Miah, who sustained head injuries from splinters, was shifted to the the private hospital from the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in critical condition.

The prime minister has instructed the chiefs of police and Dhaka Metropolitan Police to quickly arrest those who are involved in bombings and arsons, says her press wing.

Failing to hold a rally on Jan 5, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia called an indefinite countrywide transport blockade.

Since then over two dozen people have died, several from burns in cases of arson, across the country.

More than a hundred people have been injured in the frequent incidents of attacks on vehicle in the last 13 days.

The clouds that have covered Bangladesh after a spell of hailstorms in the early hours of Sunday may continue for two more days, forecasters say.

Cold snap likely to sweep Bangladesh on Tuesday

The meteorologists said temperature might drop to 8-10 degrees Celsius during the cold wave and begin to increase again on Thursday.

In the 24-hour forecast, the Met office said the sky might be partially cloudy and weather might be dry across the country.

However, the lowest temperature in sea-hugging Chittagong was 15-18 degrees Celsius.

Haq said ‘wind temperature’ in different parts of the country might fall by one or two degrees Celsius in the next two days.

They also say a moderate cold wave might sweep over four divisions of the country, including Dhaka, on Tuesday.

Meteorological Department Assistant Director Sanaul Haq told bdnews24.com on Sunday that different areas of the country were experiencing rains for last two days.

The mercury dipped amid the winter rain.

Haq said: “Cold is being felt as the difference between day and night temperatures has reduced. This situation will continue for two more days.”

The lowest temperature on Sunday was recorded at 9.5 degrees Celsius at Chuadanga. Lowest temperatures in most of the areas of Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Barisal divisions ranged from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius.

“Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Rangpur divisions may experience a moderate cold wave on Tuesday,” he said.

A moderate to dense fog may envelope the country from Sunday midnight to Monday noon, it said.

Zero tolerance to BNP-Jamaat sabotage : Kamal

Kamal: Zero tolerance to BNP-Jamaat sabotage

State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said the government would not show any tolerance to the ongoing nationwide violence.

He said: “Stern action will be taken against the criminal, who are conducting subversive activities across the country. The government will show zero tolerance to BNP-Jamaat terrorism.”

The junior minister made the statement while talking to journalists after holding a party meeting at the political headquarters of the Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Thursday.

Kamal further said: “The government has successfully been controlling the terrorist activities by BNP-Jamaat members. We will take tougher action against them if necessary.”

Asked if the government successfully controlling the ongoing sabotages, what is the point of forming “Terrorism Prevention Committees,” the junior minister said: “The committees will not directly prevent the subversive activities. Rather the committee members will provide necessary information to the law enforcers.”

“The members of the law enforcement agencies will act on those information and capture the culprits.”

Political tensions between the Awami League-led Government and the BNP-led 20-party alliance have been increased in January 2015 on the first anniversary of the January 5, 2014 parliamentary elections, which the BNP boycotted.

The BNP chief Khaleda Zia has been kept confined to her Gulshan party office since January 3. Later, the party declared a non-stop nationwide blockade on January 5.

The current blockade has been marked by violence and sporadic clashes between the police and protesters, leaving a number of people killed and injured.

In wake of such situation, the Awami League-led 14-part alliance has decided to form “Terrorism Prevention Committees” in district level to stop any attempt that would affect the security and safety of the countrymen.

- See more at: http://www.dhakatribune.com/politics/2015/jan/15/kamal-zero-tolerance-bnp-jamaat-sabotage#sthash.NuC7lxin.dpuf

Strike Successful : BNP

Shutdown ‘successful’, says BNP, asks supporters to carry on with blockade

Amid its indefinite blockade, the BNP-led alliance had called a dawn-to-dusk shutdown for Thursday after Reaz Rahman was shot Tuesday night. Later, it shortened the duration to 12 hours.

Meanwhile, the BNP headquarters in Naya Paltan were surrounded by police on Thursday. No activists or leaders were seen there.

In a statement on Thursday, Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi asked party activists to carry on with the countrywide transport blockade which started on Jan 5.

"One behalf of the BNP, I congratulate the people on making the 12-hour shutdown a success. I also call on to carry on with the blockade until victory," reads the statement.

Public transports were plying on the streets of Dhaka, with train communications being normal.

Long-haul bus services were, however, suspended from the inter-district bus terminals in Dhaka.

No major incident of violences were reported from Dhaka.

A Victim has died after 5 days

Moghbazar arson victim dies after treatment for five days

The driver of a car, set on fire on Jan 9 in the capital, has died at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospitals (DMCH).

On Jan 9, a petrol bomb was hurled at the parked car with Hawlader inside it. He was rushed to the DMCH the same day.

Frequent incidents of arson and attack have been reported from across the country after BNP chief Khaleda Zia called an indefinite transport blockade on Jan 5.

The arson at Moghbazar area left the 35-year-old with burn injuries in chest and the face, Paul added.

Since then, 22 people have been admitted to the DMCH with burn injuries sustained from incidents of arson, according to Dr Samanta Lal Sen of the hospital's burn unit.

Awami League is not scared of bombs : Nasim

Awami League is not scared of bombs, say Nasim after attack

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim says neither his party Awami League nor is he scared of bomb attacks after a programme he attended was bombed in Dhaka amid the BNP-sponsored transport blockade.

Several crude bombs were exploded near the stage of a reunion programme of volunteer organisation 'Sandhani' at the Sir Salimullah Medical College in Old Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon.

Nasim, along with former foreign minister Dipu Moni and local MP Haji Mohammad Salim, were onstage during the blasts.

Some of spectators were seen running in panic but the programme resumed shortly after.

"You can't scare me with a couple of blasts," the minister said. "I'm not someone who runs away."

Medical college staff suspect the bombs were hurled from a nearby building.

Nasim is the second minister to be targeted during the BNP-sponsored blockade.

Law Minister Anisul Huq's residence was bombed on Friday, just a day after the houses of two High Court judges, who embargoed BNP leader Tarique Rahman's media coverage, were attacked.

Over 100 vehicles have been damaged and several people killed in blockade-related violence since BNP chief Khaleda Zia announced the agitation on Jan 5.

"The Awami League is not a party that can be scared off. It has led mass uprisings, [the Liberation] War," the ruling party’s Presidium member said.

"It cannot be scared with couple of bomb explosions by Khaleda Zia's hired goons.

"The Awami League will continue to work for [the country's] development," Nasim added.

Source : bdnews24.com

Homemade bombs found at Dhaka University

Police have found bombs at the Dhaka University (DU) during its ongoing 49th Convocation on Tuesday.

Shahbagh Police Station OC Sirazul Islam said that four handmade bombs were found in a toilet of the Art Faculty building.

Meanwhile, the convocation is being held at the central playing grounds in presence of DU Chancellor and President Md Abdul Hamid.

This year's convocation will confer degrees to 6,104 students.

World Intellectual Property Organization's Director General Francis Gurry is the Convocation Speaker for this year.

He is also to be given honorary "Doctor of Laws" by the University.

Source: Bdnews24.com

Blockade until govt falls: Rizvi

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi says the party will continue the blockade until the government steps down.

But the BNP may withdraw the blockade if they were allowed to hold a rally, the party leader said on Tuesday morning.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia called for the indefinite nationwide blockade after failing to observe the first anniversary of the 10th national elections as the ‘Murder of Democracy Day’ on Jan 5.

BNP Vice-Chairman M Hafizuddin hinted at withdrawal of the blockade on Monday if the party was allowed to hold a rally.

“The purpose of our ongoing movement is to rescue democracy from the clutches of terrible misrule. We want to make it clear that the demonstration will continue until the current illegal government is removed and one is formed with votes of the people,” he said.

Rizvi called on the BNP-led 20 Party Alliance supporters to continue the blockade ‘peacefully’.

"The [BNP-led] 20-Party Alliance will decide on it," he said. "But you'll certainly see positive steps from us."

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi had been speaking on behalf of the party to reporters since BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul islam Alamgir was arrested on Jan 6.

Claiming blockade supporters as ‘on the side of justice and truth’, he said, “They are fighting against violent state oppression. Their objective is to retrieve the people’s voting rights.”

“Everyday our leaders and activists are being arrested. Opposition party is being accused in false cases while ruling party toughs are engaged in sabotage. These cases cannot hinder the movement to retrieve democracy.”

Rizvi demanded the unconditional release and withdrawal of cases filed against party activists.

Source: bdnews24.com

Ronaldo Wins Ballon d'Or award again

Factbox: Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as he receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or award from FIFA President Joseph Blatter (R) during the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2014 soccer awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich January 12, 2015. Reuters

He was voted ahead of Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, his bitter rival, and Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the annual poll run jointly by soccer's governing body and France Football magazine.

Joachim Loew was voted Coach of the Year after leading Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil. He finished ahead of Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone in the poll.

His tally included 17 goals in the Champions League, a record for a single edition of a Europe's elite club competition

Since then, he has added the Club World Cup title to his collection, has scored a stunning 26 goals in 17 La Liga matches and looks set to looks set to smash the biggest total for a season in Spain's top flight of 50 scored by Messi in 2011-12.

All that was enough to overlook a disappointing World Cup where Portugal went out in the first round and Ronaldo mustered only one goal.

However, he still became Portugal's all-time leading scorer and his goal haul for his country stands at 52 in 117 appearances.

Ronaldo netted 51 goals in 47 appearances last season as Real secured a record-extending 10th Champions League title and won the King's Cup.

Messi, by contrast, inspired Argentina as they reached the World Cup final, where they lost to Neuer's Germany.

Ronaldo first won the award in 2008, when it was run solely by FIFA, and he finished ahead of Messi.

Messi won the award four times in a row from 2009 to 2012, with Ronaldo finishing as runner-up on three occasions, before the Portuguese reversed the trend last year.

Source: bdnews24.com

BNP 'softens up’

BNP takes a step back, hints at ending blockade if Dhaka rally allowed

BNP Vice Chairman M Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Monday blamed the government for the political unrest.

He met BNP chief Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office.

"The [BNP-led] 20-Party Alliance will decide on it," he said. "But you'll certainly see positive steps from us."

Khaleda called the blockade on Jan 5 after police prevented her from leaving her office to join agitations on the first anniversary of the last general elections her party had sat out.

As he criticised police for permitting the Awami League rally, journalists asked him whether his party was willing to end its blockade if it would get the rally nod.

Over 100 vehicles have been torched and vandalised, and a number of people killed since then.

The party has been pressing for a snap election and many of its leaders, including Khaleda, had announced to continue agitations.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged her bitter political rival to refrain from violence. The Awami League president dubbed the BNP chairperson as "a leader of terrorists and militants" on Monday.

BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed claimed his party did not have any association with militants.

He hoped the prime minister, daughter of Bangladesh's founding father, would refrain from "instigating violence".

He said the BNP chief had announced to continue blockade "until democracy was restored".

On Sunday, party's Standing Committee member Rafiqul Islam Mia met her and later told reporters that the BNP was willing to call off its blockade if the government agreed for a dialogue.

Hasina on Monday reiterated that Khaleda was "not confined" to her office.

Ahmed claimed the prime minister was lying. "Why's there so many police if Khaleda Zia was indeed free?" he asked.

He called for an interim election.

"Khaleda Zia is a three-time prime minister. She will again be elected a prime minister if there's an election," the BNP leader added.

Shakib is the best allrounder in all three formats as he regains top ODI spot

Shakib is the best cricketer in Bangladesh.

Shakib is currently the top all rounder in both the longest and shortest format of the game, Test and T20.

Matthews scored 15 and conceded 17 runs in two overs against New Zealand in Sunday's match.

Pakistan's Mohammad Hafiz now trails Shakib on 397 points while the Lankan captain's poor display pushed him down to 395.

Shakib has a rating point of 403.

The left-hander regained his top Test allrounder position with a stunning performance in the last home series against Zimbabwe.

Last month, the ace cricketer regained his position as the top T20 allrounder thanks to Hafiz's dismal show.

Source: bdnews24.com

Justice Sinha to head judiciary

Law Minister Anisul Huq told on Monday that the outgoing Chief Justice would end his term on Jan 16 on reaching 67, the retirement age for SC judges.

Justice Sinha, who turns 64 next month, will be the 21st head of judiciary in Bangladesh and the first non-Muslim to hold the top position in the Muslim-majority country.

The swearing-in of Justice Sinha would take place the following day at the Bangabhaban.

Surendra Kumar Sinha, the most senior Appellate Judge in the Supreme Court, will take over as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh on Jan 17.

Earlier President Md Abdul Hamid appointed Justice Sinha, who became a High Court judge in October 1999 and got elevated to the Appellate Division in July 2009, choosing not to supersede the most senior judge as it happened in the past in some cases.

Born on Feb 1, 1951, Sinha began his career in Sylhet enrolling himself with the local bar in 1974.

Justice Sinha was also part of the Bench that heard the 2009 appeals in the Bangabandhu Murder Case and has been an appeals judge in the on-going war crimes trials.

He will serve just over three years as Chief Justice with his retirement due in early 2018.

Sinha sat on the Appellate Bench that heard the 13th Amendment appeal and scrapped the provision for Caretaker Government to oversee national elections.

Resist these terrorists: PM

PM Sheikh Hasina said her government would do everything to protect the people.

Hasina made the remarks addressing an Awami League rally at Suhrawardi Udyan on Monday organised to mark the day of the nation's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's return to an independent country from Pakistan.

The programme was pushed two days back, from Saturday to Monday, due to the Biswa Ijtema in Tongi.

The rally kicked off at noon amid the BNP-sponsored indefinite blockade. Hasina reached the venue at 3:30pm.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has labelled BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia as the 'leader of violence and militants' and asked people to stand up to terror and militancy.

Hasina thanked the people saying, “We express our gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for giving us the opportunity to take the country forward by voting for us on Jan 5. We have passed a year with success.”

On this day last year, the Awami League had taken the oath to govern Bangladesh for a consecutive second term.

The Awami League chief also said the BNP had made a mistake by boycotting the polls. “You (Khaleda) took a wrong decision. Your party will pay for this. Why harass the people?”

Hasina said, “We’ll have to resist militancy and terrorism. Hand over those found involved in such activities to police. We’ll do whatever is needed.”

About Khaleda, who has been ‘besieged’ in her office since Jan 3, the prime minister again said the BNP chief can leave her Gulshan office any time. “No one blocked her. She is free to go to home. But she won’t do that.”

She criticised Khaleda for calling the blockade. “She has called a blockade, but who is bothered? Her movement never involves people.”

“...she is a leader of terror, militancy,” she said.

She also said people will not tolerate the blockade that is killing people to ‘protect the Jamaat-e-Islami’, a BNP ally.

Top Jamaat leaders have been tried for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.


Source: bdnews24.com

Contempt rule by war crimes tribunal against 6 including Jamaat-e-Islami chief

The Jamaat leaders pulled up are its acting chief Makbul Ahmed, Vice President Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Shafiqur Rahman, its student front president Abdul Jabbar and general secretary Md Atiqur Rahman.

The International Crime Tribunal- 1 led by Justice M Enayetur Rahim issued the rule on Monday.

It ordered the Jamaat leaders and the lawyers to come up with explanations within two weeks.

On Jan 1, the prosecution filed contempt charges against the six and the tribunal heard the matter on Jan 5 before fixing Monday to announce its order.
It also slapped contempt charges against Tajul Islam, who represents Jamaat leaders at the war crimes trials.

The party called countrywide strikes for the next two days. Senior Jamaat leaders  made critical comments over the verdict.

Lawyer Tajul Islam reacted then saying:"Justice would have been served if the prosecutions' evidences and witnesses were thrown into the garbage rather than accept them. Let alone a death sentence, the prosecution should have been fined for submitting such evidences."

Bangladesh' war crimes tribunal has issued a contempt rule against five Jamaat-e-Islami leaders including its chief and a lawyer for critical remarks over a verdict and for calling a strike to protest against it.