Politics

Bangladesh arrests key opposition figure Protest erupts

Dhaka, Jan 07 (ANI): Bangladesh government arrested a key opposition figure and deployed thousands of police as opposition protests entered a second day, after four activists were killed and scores were injured on the first anniversary of last year's disputed polls. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cracked down on displays of anti-government sentiment in the capital, Dhaka, as opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia stepped up calls for fresh elections. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to scatter protesters in Dhaka and elsewhere. Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir of Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was detained on Tuesday as he stepped out of Dhaka's National Press Club, where he had taken shelter, police said. Before being detained, Alamgir said there was no democracy left in Bangladesh. On Monday, Khaleda, who said she had been unlawfully detained inside her Dhaka office since the weekend, called for an indefinite nationwide transport blockade after the government foiled rallies by her to mark the election anniversary, which it had dubbed "democracy killing day." However, leader of ruling Awami League said Khaleda Zia was providing safe haven to militants.

Jan 7, 2015

Female suicide bomber hits police station in Istanbul, kills one

Istanbul, Jan 07 (ANI): A female suicide bomber blew herself up inside a police station in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, killing one officer and wounding another, the city's governor. Police sealed off the street where the attack happened. The woman spoke english as she entered the building but her nationality and identity were unknown, Governor Vasip Sahin told reporters at the scene. Turkish media later said one of the officers died from his wounds. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the bombing comes less than a week after far-left group DHKP-C said it was behind a grenade attack on police near the prime minister's office in Istanbul. The group was also behind a suicide bombing at the US Embassy last year as well as attacks on Turkish police stations. Turkey also faces other security threats.

Jan 7, 2015

Thousands of fish die in historical Sher Shah Suri lake in Kanpur

Kanpur, Jan 07 (ANI): Thousands of fish have died in the historical Sher Shah Suri Lake in Uttar Pradesh due to alleged official apathy. The Sher Shah Suri Lake of the Sur dynasty king is one of popular attractions for tourists. Residents of the area said they saw dead fish floating in the lake in Kanpur. They alleged negligence on the part of local municipality for not maintaining the pond. The municipal authorities later visited the spot and cleaned the lake with some chemicals. Locals say the lake has never run dry in the 400 years of its existence.

Jan 7, 2015

Fashion show in Manipur to promote state's handloom sector

Imphal, Jan 07 (ANI): Manipur's rich and colourful handloom is well projected by many Northeast based designers. In a recent event titled 'Elegance of the Dancing Looms', some 10 Manipur based fashion designers showcased a fusion of ethnic and modern outfits. The fashion extravaganza was organised by "Blue Wings" with an aim to promote the traditional indigenous attires of the state and attract the attention of national and foreign customers. Many models from Brazil, Slovakia, Ukraine and Russia along with several models from the Northeast sashayed down the ramp at the Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre in Imphal, showcasing a variety of interesting attires. The collections showcased during the event included bridal attires, handloom outfits, modern designs and ready to wear casual garments. Actress Lin Laishram was one of the show stoppers.

Jan 7, 2015